ILLINOIS — It was a week of milestones for some local businesses — one marking 130 years, another celebrating three decades.
Meanwhile, an iconic spot for sweet treats is shaking things up for the first time in nearly a century, a tattoo shop is breaking barriers and a retailer is opening a bigger and better location.
Here’s a look at some of Illinois Patch’s top business stories:
Sumbaum is the second-oldest bicycle store in the United States and says it provides service you can’t get at the big chain stores. And although Sumbaum has quite a number of customers who are seasoned and experienced cyclists, it’s always strived to be known as a bicycle store geared for everybody: “We get people that haven’t been on a bike since their childhood. And we have our regular customers that have been coming here for the last 50 years.”
For the first time in 98 years, Original Rainbow Cone is adding new flavors to its repertoire. “We’re not just adding to our menu, we’re crafting a new chapter in Rainbow Cone’s storied history,” the company said.
The city’s first tattoo parlor of the 21st century, Sweetheart Ink Tattoo, is now open after city zoning code forbade tattoo parlors for decades: “In the past, tattoo establishments were sometimes viewed as undesirable businesses that may bring nuisances and negative effects to surrounding areas. However, tattooing has become increasingly main-stream in recent decades and reportedly one in three Americans has some kind of tattoo or body art,” a city staffer said in a memo.
“We’re a resale shop, we don’t like to say thrift store,” the owner told Patch. “The store is clean and color coordinated. You can dress the whole family here, from size infant to size 3X.”
Aiden Bermudez knew it the moment he saw it: he could bring the vacant building back to life. The restaurateur, who also operates several other Mexican eateries, said he can’t wait to get started.
“Our Food Shed Co-op family will celebrate on the opening day,” said Peter Waldmann, general manager of Food Shed Co-op. “The community organizing started in 2014. The countless efforts over the last decade are humbling and inspiring to all of our associates. Food Shed Co-op staff, board, and business partners are working hard to meet our timelines. I thank them for their efforts.”
