Shop Small: Our Favorite Small Businesses

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know we’re big on supporting other small businesses in our community. In a world dominated by big corporations and mass-produced goods, there’s something truly special about supporting local businesses. Not only do they add a unique flavor to our communities, but they also infuse a sense of authenticity and passion into their products. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our favorite small businesses that have captured our hearts with their exceptional offerings. From delectable treats to aromatic coffee blends, these gems are worth exploring.

Tubby’s Taste:

Tubby’s Taste is more than just a culinary adventure; it’s a heartfelt journey into the rich tapestry of flavors that owner Danielle has woven into her Jamaican-inspired vegan cookies. Drawing inspiration from the hospitality, authenticity, and love instilled in her by the cake ladies of her upbringing, Danielle combines these cherished elements with the vibrant tastes of her culture and childhood. The result? A symphony of bold and delicious flavors that are sure to captivate your taste buds!

At Tubby’s Taste, the menu is a reflection of both tradition and innovation. From the comforting allure of coconut oatmeal cinnamon, ginger and sweet molasses, and mocha oat chocolate chip for those who savor the classics, to the adventurous spirit of grapefruit pineapple hibiscus, and mango coconut lime for those seeking something new – Tubby’s Taste offers a delightful array that truly caters to everyone’s palate. We’re confident that once you indulge in the unique and delectable offerings from Tubby’s Taste, you’ll find yourself hooked on the irresistible charm of these Jamaican-inspired vegan cookies.

Recently, Tubby’s Taste has taken center stage on the groundbreaking show, Bet on Black, a dynamic series that shines a spotlight on black entrepreneurs making waves across diverse industries in the United States. The show provides a platform for these visionary individuals, like Tubby’s Taste owner Danielle, to share their stories, celebrate their successes, and compete for a chance to win substantial prize money. It’s more than just a business showdown; it’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Tubby’s Taste and so many other black-owned businesses. Tune in to witness the journey and discover the extraordinary flavors that Tubby’s Taste brings to this exciting competition.

Anticonquista Café

Anticonquista Café isn’t just about serving great coffee; they are on a mission to cultivate it from the ground up. The founders, Elmer and Lauren, were not mere discoverers of fine coffee; they were born and raised in the very heart of coffee production, with generations of experience working under the conditions of coffee farms in Guatemala and Honduras. This dynamic duo is determined to challenge the prevailing notion that farmworkers are disposable and not professionals. In their pursuit of justice, they are breaking the cycle of corporate land grabbing, placing the power back into the hands of hardworking small-scale farmers.

What sets Anticonquista Café apart is their commitment to a vertically integrated ‘cultivo to cup’ or ‘cultivation to cup’ business model. This approach is a bold step towards eradicating exploitative intermediaries within the coffee supply chains, ensuring fair compensation for every hand that plays a role in bringing coffee from the farm to your cup.

Proudly holding the title of Chicago’s first family farm-owned and operated coffee roaster, Anticonquista Café stands as a beacon of sustainability and social responsibility. The leadership of Lauren Reese and Elmer Fajardo Pacheco, a Chicago-based couple, drives this woman and immigrant-owned business. Their focus extends beyond just brewing coffee; they actively strive to bridge the gap between coffee farmers in Central America and consumers in the United States. In doing so, they elevate farmers to the forefront of the industry, emphasizing that these are the individuals who meticulously harvest, roast, and brew the coffee that graces your mug. Anticonquista Café’s mission is clear: advance farmers to the forefront of the coffee industry and close the gap between the hardworking coffee farmers and the appreciative U.S. consumers.

Southside Grinds Coffee Co.

Southside Grinds Coffee Co. isn’t just a coffee company; it’s a passion-driven venture founded by a black woman and proudly rooted in Chicago. Specializing in coffee roasting and offering specialty beverage catering through their mobile espresso bar, Southside Grinds has a singular mission: to foster community and address the substantial caffeination needs in the South and West Sides of the city.

Looking ahead, Southside Grinds envisions a more permanent presence with a future brick-and-mortar location. This space will offer patrons a curated, in-store roasting experience, allowing them to witness the journey from bean to cup firsthand.

Beyond their commitment to crafting exceptional coffee, Southside Grinds is dedicated to making a positive social impact. They actively contribute to initiatives that uplift South Side organizations, exemplified by their support for entities like the YWCA. Moreover, their commitment to hiring locally serves as a testament to their dedication to the communities they serve. Southside Grinds isn’t just about coffee; it’s about creating a space for connection, empowerment, and the celebration of quality coffee, all while making a meaningful difference in the neighborhoods they call home.

Pickled Prince

The inception of Pickled Prince in 2020 can be traced back to the creative minds of Chefs Brian Greene and Alex Skrzypczyk. Faced with the uncertainty brought about by the first Covid-19 indoor dining ban in Chicago, Chef Brian’s idle hands couldn’t resist the call to continue cooking and creating. Both lifelong Midwestern chefs, Greene and Skrzypczyk share a deep-rooted love for harvesting and preserving the seasonal bounty of fruits and vegetables in various delightful forms, including but not limited to giardinieras, salsas, pickles, hot sauces, and jams.

Operating from their home base in Chicago, Pickled Prince takes pride in crafting everything in small batches, ensuring optimal flavor in every jar. Their commitment to quality extends to the sourcing of produce, which, when seasonally available, is diligently procured from local farmers’ markets in Chicago and Down at the Farms, LLC. This latter source, a farmer-to-farmer marketing and delivery service situated outside Fairbury, Illinois, further emphasizes Pickled Prince’s dedication to supporting local agriculture and delivering the freshest ingredients to their discerning customers.

Aged and Infused

Aged and Infused is the brainchild of Jess and John, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo whose shared love for crafting cocktails knows no bounds. These self-taught mixologists found their inspiration not in fancy classes, but from each other and the vast world of knowledge available on the internet.

The journey began when Jess, aiming to gift John a truly personal present on a special occasion, decided to blend their mutual passion for whiskey with a dash of creativity. She threw together fresh fruit and spices in a jar, added his favorite spirits, and voila, Aged & Infused was born. Enamored by the experience and the delectable results, they realized they had stumbled upon something extraordinary. Motivated by the desire to make the art of crafting cocktails an effortless joy for everyone, they decided to share their home bar innovations with the world.

But here’s the delightful twist – Jess and John are still on a learning curve, and that’s what makes it all the more special. Constantly evolving and fine-tuning their craft, they embrace the journey, relishing the best part of the process. Beyond the technicalities of mixology, what truly fuels their passion is the mission to revive the essence of happy hour in its purest form. For them, it’s about more than just techniques and recipes; it’s about encouraging people to set aside their phones, turn off the TV, and gather around to connect with loved ones over an exceptional (homemade!) cocktail. Aged and Infused isn’t just about drinks; it’s a celebration of the simple joy found in the art of shared moments and handcrafted libations.

Plus, Aged and Infused has recently opened its doors to a dazzling store! Located at 1821 W. Chicago Ave., this inviting space is a haven for those who appreciate the art of mixology. As you step into their store this holiday season, you’ll be greeted by a curated collection of all-things-cocktail. From elegant glassware to top-notch barware and locally sourced ingredients, Aged and Infused has something beautiful waiting for every aficionado. It’s not just a store; it’s an experience, inviting you to explore and elevate your cocktail game with their exquisite offerings. So, if you find yourself in Chicago, make sure to pay them a visit and discover the perfect additions to your home bar or the ideal holiday gift for the cocktail enthusiast in your life.

The Soap Distillery

Soap Distillery is a brand dedicated to crafting high-quality body and home goods with a distinct focus on conscientious, refined aromas. Every step they take is intentional, from sourcing sustainable ingredients to employing responsible manufacturing processes, and embracing fully compostable packaging. Their commitment extends beyond merely offering top-notch products; it’s a dedication to providing quality, planet-friendly goods that echo their values.

Initially centered around cocktail themes, Soap Distillery has evolved while staying true to its core messages of sustainability, fun, and inclusivity – just with a burst of vibrant color. The brand was conceived out of a desire to introduce diversity, both in products and ownership, to the natural body care industry. Founder Danielle Martin envisioned a range of playful and sustainable offerings inspired by cocktails, beverages, plants, and travel – a vision that has resonated since 2012.

As Soap Distillery has grown, so has its dedication to mindful manufacturing practices, with an unwavering commitment to continually enhancing their message of sustainability. Whether it’s about the products themselves or the operations within their facility, Soap Distillery stands as a beacon for those seeking eco-friendly, fun, and inclusive body and home goods that leave a positive impact on both the users and the planet.

Keep It Savory Salts

Since 2013, founder Johanna has been on a flavorful journey, meticulously hand-crafting small batches of sea salts infused with fresh ingredients. It all began with a harmonious blend of lemon and thyme, aptly named Lemon Thyme, a batch that sparked her realization that curing with local, fresh-as-can-be ingredients wasn’t just the most delicious method but also the most environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and Keep It Savory Salts now boasts a palette of ten distinctive flavors. Johanna’s passion lies in empowering individuals like you to create dishes that delight the taste buds. By day, she’s a middle school teacher, and much like her love for teaching, she believes that her business should contribute to making the community better.

To ensure the freshest ingredients, Johanna sources locally from growers in Chicago, including the Windy City Youth Farm and small neighborhood markets like Forty Acres Fresh Market. In an effort to address historic racial and economic disparities, Keep It Savory Salts donates 10% of their annual revenue to organizations actively working to undo decades of intentional racism and economic disinvestment in Chicago.

Welcome to the only salt company on Chicago’s West Side, where the mission goes beyond flavor. Keep It Savory Salts is on a quest to make our world, and our dinners, more savory, and they invite you to join them in this flavorful journey. Because, as they believe, food tastes better when everyone is at the table.

Laos To Your House

Laos to Your House is on a mission to cast a vibrant light on Laos, sharing the rich tapestry of its story, culture, and cuisine. Their goal is to ensure that Laos is no longer relegated to the shadows of forgotten Asian countries. Historically, the culinary treasures of Laos have stood in the background, overshadowed by the spotlight on neighboring Thailand and Vietnam. Fortunately, times are changing, with a more open-minded society embracing new cuisines, and the media turning its attention to the flavors of Laos.

The heart of Laotian culture is steeped in family, love, spirits, laughter, and hard work, all of which find expression in their cuisine. Traditionally served family-style, Laotian meals invite everyone to gather around, reaching for delectable dishes accompanied by sticky rice. A delightful shot of cognac often accompanies these communal meals, adding a touch of warmth to the experience. Lao cuisine is a celebration of vibrant flavors, featuring an abundance of fresh herbs and the natural spice of chilis. The harmonious combination of these ingredients is guaranteed to exhilarate your taste buds. So, they extend a warm invitation to you, saying “ma der, ma der” (come eat), and encouraging you to savor the richness of Lao cuisine with open arms. It’s more than a meal; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the flavors, traditions, and warmth of Laos.

In conclusion, our journey through these remarkable small businesses has been a flavorful adventure, each one offering a unique story, a distinctive product, and a passionate commitment to excellence. Tubby’s Taste tantalizes our taste buds with Jamaican-inspired vegan cookies, a delightful fusion of authenticity, hospitality, and cultural richness. Anticonquista Coffee takes us on a journey from farm to cup, not just brewing coffee but fostering a movement toward fairness, sustainability, and empowering local farmers. Southside Grinds doesn’t just serve coffee; it creates a community hub, bridging gaps and bringing people together over the love of exceptional brews. Pickled Prince emerged from the resilience of chefs, transforming a challenging moment into an opportunity to craft unique pickled delights. Aged and Infused, elevates our home bar experience, turning cocktails into an art form and infusing spirits with a burst of natural flavors. The Soap Distillery, rooted in intention and sustainability, offers a luxurious range of handcrafted soaps inspired by classic cocktails. Keep It Savory Salts, born out of a passion for crafting small-batch sea salts, adds a dash of flavor to our dishes while actively contributing to local communities. Laos to Your House invites us to explore the vibrant and mouthwatering world of Laotian cuisine, adding diversity and rich cultural experiences to our palates.

This small business Saturday and every day of the year, we encourage you to embark on your own journey of discovery. Whether you’re seeking delectable treats, sustainable goods, or an immersive cultural experience, these small businesses prove that behind every product is a passionate entrepreneur striving to make a positive impact. So, support local, savor the uniqueness, and relish the stories woven into each product – for in doing so, we contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our communities and celebrate the essence of entrepreneurship.