Business News
Renowned Chicago artist Marcos Raya has relocated his estudio to McKinley Park after decades of working from the Pilsen neighborhood. Raya, who is well-known for his visual art, his murals in Pilsen and his longtime art and activism, said rising prices were a key consideration for making the move.
"Mostly it was rents going up," he said. "I was also a little tired of the space."
The 36squared Business Incubator Sponsored by CIBC is up and running in the McKinley Park neighborhood and ready to offer free help to local businesses and entrepreneurs.
"We provide everything from writing a basic business plan through getting funding," said Executive Director Andrew Fogaty. "Our role is to provide free business help."
Read more: McKinley Park Incubator Brings Support for Entrepreneurs, Small Business
The 2018 McKinley Park Farmers Market still has vendor slots available for the popular weekly neighborhood event and is reaching out to potential vendors and volunteers who wish to get involved. The market will offer fresh produce, ready-to-eat items and local goods every Sunday from June 4 through September 30, 2018, at its standing location beside the William McKinley statue in the northwest corner of the park.
"The McKinley Park Farmers Market provides a space where community members can gather to share good, healthy food while learning more about the folks who grew it," said market manager Stef Funk. "We plan to bring new local vendors, more music and enriching and engaging educational activities for all ages."
Read more: McKinley Park Farmers Market Seeks Vendors, Volunteers for 2018 Season
Marz Community Brewing Co. opens its tap room this Saturday, February 24, having recently received licenses from the City of Chicago for on-premises alcohol consumption, liquor to go and retail food sales. The brewery, on the eastern edge of the McKinley Park neighborhood at 3630 S. Iron St., announced it will open the new venue from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and also release a new beer that afternoon.
After waiting nearly a year since filing license applications with the City of Chicago, the brewery received approval on February 14 from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. The three business licenses — for package goods, a retail food establishment and incidental alcohol consumption — run until February 15, 2020, and are a compulsory component of launching the tap room.
Read more: Marz Community Brewing Opening Tap Room This Weekend
The family business of C&J Auto Parts is closing after over 65 years at its current location at 3200 S. Archer Ave. This Saturday, February 3, will be the last chance for customers to shop on the final day of C&J's going-out-of-business sale, ending the work that ran through four generations of the Zalon family.
"It's bittersweet," said business owner Arnold Zalon, who spent much of his early childhood growing up above the family auto shop on Archer Avenue. "We've had so many good customers and made so many friends, including some employees who have been with us for 20 or 30 years."
Read more: Final Days at C&J Auto Parts Portend New Development, Neighborhood Changes
