This month, Dream Town Supports Small is focusing on ways to bring some warmth and heat into your life – whether that’s upping your romantic game or literally heating things up! It’s the throes of winter, and there is no shortage of small, locally owned businesses where you can find, experience and create a little warmth.
February is also Black History Month, so we invite you to join us in supporting some of Chicago’s Black-owned small businesses. Just look for the “black-owned business” tag.
Epic Spices
epicspices.com | 1725 W Chicago Ave, Chicago
Chicago’s best-known chefs have long turned to this small wholesale business to flavor their most iconic dishes, so you’ve probably tasted their products without realizing it! Now, this husband-and-wife-owned emporium is open weekends for retail sales. Peruse more than 500 premium quality spices and exotic ingredients—including an impressive variety of chilis and peppers to bring some heat to your kitchen.
Planks & Pistils | Black-Owned Business
planksandpistils.com | Online
Owner and “Guerilla Florist” John Caleb Pendleton discovered his flair for floral arrangements designing flowers for his wife; today his passion has grown into a unique floral and wood design studio focused on human flourishing, blackness and progressive storytelling. Located on the South Side, they provide next-day floral delivery to all 77 Chicago neighborhoods—a wonderful way to bring some heat to your love life!
Chimney Monkey
chimneymonkey.com | 444 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield
Keep winter’s chill at bay with a bright, hot, cozy fire! Although they may not sing like the chimney sweeps in the classic film Mary Poppins, the friendly and experienced crew from this locally-owned North Shore business will make sure your woodburning or gas fireplace is safe and in tip-top working condition, inside and out.
Kido | Black-Owned Business
kidochicago.com | 1137 S Delano Ct, Chicago
Don’t leave the kids out in the cold! Founded, owned and curated by Black Wall Street descendants, this wonderful South Loop children’s boutique offers unique clothing, diverse books and intriguing puzzles and toys. At Kido, they’re all about representation and inclusivity: Children of color, kids with disabilities and non-traditional families are put in focus to foster learning and growth.
Leonidas Chocolate Cafe
leonidas-cafe.com | 59 E Chicago Ave, Chicago (Also in Evanston and Northbrook)
From the city’s Near North Side to the North Shore, customers love Leonidas for their extensive offerings of French pastries, sweet and savory crepes and warm croissant sandwiches. But come the middle of winter, we can’t resist their luscious hot chocolates – all made with real, melted Belgian chocolate! And for Valentine’s Day, be sure to check out their selection of imported Leonidas confections!
An Orange Moon | Black-Owned Business
anorangeroom.com | 2418 W North Ave, Chicago
Mid Century Modern is HOT – and that’s the forte at this lauded, uber hip, vintage furnishing and design center. But along with these highly desirable 20th-century items, owners Ty and Lynne McDaniel have curated a stunning collection that also includes Industrial, French, Victorian, Steam Punk, Danish Moderne, Art Deco, Mission and English pieces. Beyond the furniture, you’ll discover vintage lighting, textiles, art and accessories.
Jeong
jeongchicago.com | 1460 W Chicago Ave, Chicago
Award-winning Chicago chef Dave Park and his partner Jennifer Tran have elevated Korean cuisine to new heights at their sophisticated West Town restaurant, going well beyond the heat-infused flavors of many traditional Korean dishes. Their current 7-course tasting menu includes Seared Scallop with Beurre Blanc, Salmon with Crispy Rice Pearls and Duck flavored with Gochujang.
Free Mvmt Shop | Black-Owned Business
freemvmtshop.com | 3350 N Ashland Ave, Chicago
Get out of the cold and work up a sweat at this innovative studio where dance, yoga, cardio and sculpt are combined for a luscious, full-bodied movement experience. Since 2018, founder Ashley Rockwood and her team have been creating a movement-based fitness community where all people are invited to move freely and express themselves.
Virtue Restaurant & Bar | Black-Owned Business
virtuerestaurant.com | 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago
Warm your heart, soul and stomach at this inviting Hyde Park icon. With genuine hospitality and kindness, Owner and Executive Chef Erick Williams and his attentive team offer a tantalizing menu focused on Southern American cuisine—prepared with heritage techniques to create sublime flavors, both familiar and new.
The Pot Shop
thepotshop.com |1224 Chicago Ave, Evanston
Fire things up (in a kiln that is!) with a pottery class at The Pot Shop! With 19 wheels and 2 kilns for students, this ceramics studio is available for private parties. Regular classes for adults and children are also offered. Or just stop by to peruse the gallery where you’ll find a collection featuring the pottery of owner Dominic Mosca and other local artisans.
Soupbox
soupbox.com |2943 N Broadway, Chicago
The perfect, steaming hot meal on a winter’s day—voted Best Soup in Chicago by City Search, Chicago Reader and Yelp. Choose from their daily menu of 12 hearty soups, all made in-house and in limited batches to ensure you have the freshest selections. Classic Chicken Noodle, Cuban Black Bean, Broccoli & Cheddar, Lobster Bisque and Heart Healthy Vegetarian Chili are just some of the customer favorites!
