Consumers Venturing Out More

Consumers are making a return to away-fromhome spending at locations like restaurants and making more luxury purchases like makeup even as discretionary general merchandise sales fell 7% in April year-over-year, according to research from Circana. “Whether it’s the growing influence of social media, returning to the office, or just getting out to more activities and socializing, the social side of life is back,” said Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor for Circana.

– Source: Circana

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Family Owned & Operated Since 1935

Columbus Vegetable Oils Donates $50,000 to Greater Chicago Food Depository

Columbus Vegetable Oils (CVO), a family-run business that produces the popular Butcher Boy cooking oils, was thrilled to present a $50,000 check to the Greater Chicago Food Depository during its recent Fill a Bag, Fill a Bus event. The generous donation continues CVO’s mission to give back to the city of Chicago and its charitable organizations.

Sponsored by CW26, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago Transit Authority, JewelOsco and Columbus Vegetable Oils, Fill a Bag, Fill a Bus took place at JewelOsco stores in Oak Lawn and River Forest in May. In addition to the check presentation, CVO contributed Butcher Boy swag for the bags of food items that were loaded onto CTA buses and delivered to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Launched in the basement of its West Side Chicago family grocery store more than 85 years ago, Columbus Vegetable Oils has always been a very philanthropic company.

“Chicagoans have played a big part in our growth by buying our products at retail establishments throughout the city, so we find it absolutely necessary to keep giving back,” said CVO President Paulette Gagliardo. “As a local, private Chicago company, our sizable cash donation to the Greater Chicago Food Depository sends a message to other local businesses that it is so important to help those in need in one’s community.”

“As a family business, we feel committed to helping to alleviate hunger in the community by taking some pressure off of single parents, families and people who are having trouble making ends meet,” added Gagliardo.

A Look Inside Trendler’s History

With a tradition of innovation, quality and service—Trendler began in 1932 with the formation of Trendler Metal Products, Inc. and opened our doors on 63rd and Hoyne on Chicago’s South Side. 10 years after immigrating to the US in 1951, Anton Gfesser Sr. began his entrepreneurial success story and acquired the company. In 1988, Trendler began global sourcing and marketing to meet world demand for U.S. made furniture components and in 1997, Trendler moved to theirv current 160,000 square foot manufacturing facility near Midway Airport. Our factory features the industry’s best in class equipment that allows us to build high quality barstools, chairs, and swivels.

Trendler brand products are available to OEMs, wholesalers, businesses, and individual buyers. No matter your application, you can expect a durable, high-quality product from Trendler. Today, the company is run by Anton Gfesser Sr.’s four sons, Martin, Stefan, Anton, and Andreas — where they focus on carrying on the tradition of innovation, quality, and service.

– You can find the Trendler ad on page 12 of this issue.

East Coast-Inspired Hot Spot: The Hampton Social Opens Rooftop in Skokie

Brought to life by Parker Hospitality, the Chicagobased brand praised for seamlessly merging innovative dining concepts with engaging social experiences, The Hampton Social - Skokie (4999 Old Orchard Center) adds a vibrant rooftop dining and bar space to the existing coastal-inspired retreat, just in time for the summer outdoor-dining season. The Hampton Social’s rooftop, known as The Hampton Rooftop, features 7,500 square feet and can accommodate 172 seated guests, making it also an ideal location for private and semi-private events. While each area of the restaurant evokes the feeling of dining seaside, the rooftop adds the additional benefit of letting the sun shine on diners as they enjoy the open-air concept.

“The summer season in Chicago is synonymous with outdoor dining, so we are thrilled to bring our ‘rose all day’ vibe to our North Shore location,” says Parker Hospitality Founder and CEO Brad Parker. “The Hampton Rooftop is an exciting addition to our Skokie location where guests can gather to soak up the sun in a coastal setting that is a trademark of The Hampton Social experience.”

7-ELEVEN

976 N. Northwest Hwy. PARK RIDGE, IL 847-823-3579

Their staff is very friendly. I usually stock up on candy, chips and other munchies from here. They have everything; baked goods, prepared foods, dairy, groceries, stuff for your car and a big selection of beverages. I picked up a couple of “Slurpees.” I couldn’t decide between the Cherry and Blue Raspberry so I got both—cold, icy and refreshing. By the Slurpee machine they had some Slurpee Slap Bracelets and a blue Slurpee plastic cup They were both so cute. 7-Eleven celebrates their birthday on July 11.

BLAZE-N-GRILL • 6400 N. Milwaukee Ave. CHICAGO, IL 773-853-2622. This fast food place offers all the fast food favorites including soup, salads, gyros, hot dogs, chicken and Italian Beef. I ordered one of their burgers which was wellseasoned and char-grilled to perfection; topped with Merkts cheddar, grilled onions and served on a delicious Brioche bun; plus, an order of their fresh cut fries. It was very juicy and flavorful. They say it’s steakhouse quality and I agree. Dine-in, carry-out or sit outside for some great people watching.

LAO SZE CHUAN • 4309 E New York St, AURORA, IL 630-820-8680. This is a restaurant that offers authentic and delicious tasting Chinese/Sichuan cuisine. Their extensive menu offers a large variety — from whole fish and seafood dishes, to chicken, beef, pork, ribs, vegetables and even lamb, duck, frog and much more. Appetizers, soups and entrees can be either spicy or mild, prepared in a number of ways. Fried rice, noodles, and a variety of desserts compliment your meal. I had the Mongolian Chicken—chicken breast stir fried in a sweet and savory sauce which was which was brought out by a serving robot! I had never experienced this before. It was delightfully charming with a cat face, and played music as it rolled away.

LEVAINE BAKERY • 840 W. Randolph St. CHICAGO, IL 312-300-0654. If there’s a line outside, I’d suggest waiting because it’s worth it! They had some of the best cookies I’ve ever eaten. I ordered the Original Chocolate Chip and Walnut and the Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Chip. Both were huge— crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. I had no problem eating the entire cookie right away. There were customers outside of the bakery indulging in their cookies too. They also have other treats as well and if you can’t stop in, you can order their products online.

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES • 9719 Skokie Blvd. SKOKIE, IL 847-763-5000. I was invited to a graduation party that had picked up the cakes from here. The presentation on the cake was adorable. It had a grad theme, ribbon and a graduation hat. The cake was a white chocolate and raspberry, topped with cream cheese frosting and it was moist and delicious. They also served some Bundtinis which are mini bundt cakes in different flavors; the perfect size to serve at a party. Keep them in mind for any special event. They have numerous locations.

SCOOBY’S HOT DOGS • 1020 E North Ave. WEST CHICAGO, IL 630-231-4848. This hot dog joint has been around for a long time. If you’re looking for Scooby’s from the street, there are so many colorful lights and signs on the building, you can’t miss it. Inside, it’s a trip! Hundreds of signs, lights, old advertisements, records, cutouts of celebrities…you name it! It’s an eclectic mix of memorabilia. There are some booths to sit and eat your meal, but most people take theirs to-go. I got the Maxwell Street Polish with hand-cut fries and a drink. Everything tasted good. I also got a chocolate shake to-go.