The Street-Level Spell: How to Build Excellent Storefront Displays
There’s a strange kind of alchemy happening every time someone slows down in front of your shop. Maybe they weren’t planning to browse. Maybe they were mid-conversation or had earbuds in. But something—some combination of light, color, shape, and feeling—made them pause. For small business owners, that’s not luck. It’s strategy. Your storefront isn’t just your outerwear—it’s your first conversation, your handshake, your wink. In cities, suburbs, or sleepy towns, the right display can tip someone from
News Release: 4/21/2025
Chicago Farmers Market Schedule with EbikeCityZen Get ready for the 2025 Farmers Market Season in Chicago! Normally, when we think of farmers markets, we're drawn to the joy of purchasing fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, organically produced soaps and baked goods, and most importantly, getting a chance to meet the people who are directly supplying these items. So, why would an Ebike shop be at a outdoor market in Chicago? Well, EbikeCityZen is not your typical Ebike Store! Our business model
Broadway Bikes Reopens Under New Ownership
A beloved Uptown bike shop has reopened under new leadership. Mechanics Leah Plummer and Nina Hazelton, longtime employees of the shop formerly known as Uptown Bikes, have taken over ownership and relaunched it as Broadway Bikes at 4653 N. Broadway. After a short closure for renovations, the shop officially reopened on February 4, 2025, continuing its legacy of providing quality, commuter-focused bike services. The new owners aim to build community through events and classes while maintaining the shop’s
In 2025, Chicago Theater Maven Jackie Taylor is Breaking Her Own Rules
Jackie Taylor Breaks New Ground at Black Ensemble Theater Jackie Taylor, the trailblazing founder and CEO of Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater, is taking a bold step in 2025 with her newest production, Elvis Presley was a Black Man Named Joe. Unlike the theater’s traditional jukebox-style shows, this musical is deeply personal and autobiographical, telling the story of Taylor’s upbringing in Cabrini-Green and her close bond with her brother Joe—both lifelong fans of Elvis Presley. The show marks a
YooYee: A Fiery Sichuan Dining Experience in Uptown Chicago
YooYee: A Fiery Addition to Uptown’s Dining Scene YooYee, located in Uptown, offers a delightful exploration of Sichuan-style dishes that bring both heat and flavor to the table. Known for its bold use of peppercorns, the menu features exciting dishes like dandan noodles, smashed cucumber salad, and fish fillet in a green, bubbling broth. For those who prefer milder options, the sweet-skinned duck and braised beef soup with hand-pulled noodles are equally excellent. The vibrant atmosphere, complemented
Timely Hooks, Tangible Gains: Stretching Your Seasonal Campaigns Without Stretching Your Wallet
The buzz around seasonal marketing often centers on major brands and their big-budget blitzes, but that doesn't mean small businesses are locked out of the game. When approached with intention, seasonal campaigns can offer lean, high-impact opportunities that sidestep costly ad spends. Timing and creativity, not money, become the core drivers of attention. Done right, they can inject urgency, relevance, and personality into a small business's outreach—without requiring a complete marketing
News Release: 4/8/2025
The Magic of Shopping Local: Building a Capsule Wardrobe Base That Lasts? Welcome to the launch of the SGXOXO Ultimate Local CapsuleYour wardrobe deserves better than fast fashion—it deserves magic.?? That’s why we’ve curated our top tried-and-true SGXOXO magic pieces—designed by Chicago’s most talented local designers—to help you build a capsule wardrobe base that truly lasts.??The Magic Dress—flattering, effortless, and always the right choice.??The Magic Jumpsuit—chic, versatile, and made to move with
Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos 2024 Year-in-Review — 6,000 Groups Served, 3,600+ Five Star Reviews & 96% Customer Satisfaction!
Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos 2024 Year-in-Review — 6,000 Groups Served, 3,600+ Five Star Reviews & 96% Customer Satisfaction! In 2024, Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos proudly served 6,000 different groups all across the USA! And now that 2025 is kicking off, we are very excited to continue this success! From coast to coast, we've connected schools, businesses, wedding parties, sports teams, and more to the perfect group transportation. Whether the travelers call for a quick airport transfer or a
Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos Celebrates Another Successful Week Serving Hundreds of Events
Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos Celebrates Another Successful Week Serving Hundreds of Events This Past Weekend Including the Daytona 500, Gasparilla Music Festival and more! February 17, 2025 — Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos is proud to have provided group transportation to hundreds of events this past weekend across the United States. Just a few of the many weekend events Price 4 Charter Buses & Limos provided transportation for include: the Daytona 500, the Gasparilla Music Festival, and hundreds of
Proactive Approaches to Smooth Employee Transitions
Managing a team involves making difficult decisions, including determining when it’s appropriate to part ways with an employee or contractor. This process requires careful consideration and a structured approach to ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved. By implementing effective strategies, organizations can handle these transitions with professionalism and empathy, maintaining a positive work environment. From streamlining document management to fostering a culture of feedback and growth,
Uptown Restaurants Recognized at 2025 Banchet Awards
At the 2025 Banchet Awards, Uptown Restaurants Carino and Ragadan took home awards. Carino won Best New Restaurant and Ragadan won Best Counter Service. Congratulations to our Uptown winners!https://www.wbez.org/food-drink/2025/01/26/chicago-banchet-food-awards-top-chef-restaurant-pizza-best-bar#:~:text=Jelena%20Prodan%20accepts%20a%20Banchet,with%20S.K.Y.%2C%20Valhalla%20and%20Apolonia.&text=Servers%20Heather%20Christie%20and%20Dennis,Award%20for%20Best%20Neighborhood%20Restaurant.
2024 Year in Review
To celebrate this past year’s successes, Uptown United and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce have published this 2024 Year in Review to highlight the many activities, events, and stories that have continued to make Uptown a diverse, vibrant, thriving, and strong Chicago neighborhood.Click here to download a copy of the 2024 Year in Review!
Small Steps, Big Impact: Success Through Sustainable Practices
Running a small business today means more than just focusing on profits; it involves making conscious choices that benefit the environment and society. Adopting sustainable practices can seem daunting, but with thoughtful planning, it becomes an integral part of your business model. By embracing sustainability, you not only reduce your ecological footprint but also enhance your brand’s reputation and operational efficiency. Here are some practical strategies to help your small business thrive
