Popcorn shop among a flurry of new Waukegan businesses; ‘People are feeding off each other'

Chicago Tribune

4 days ago

Name a flavor and Gerdy's Gourmet Popcorn owner Nina Davis likely knows how to make it into popcorn.
Davis, who opened a retail store on Grand Avenue in Waukegan on June 4, spent more than three years making popcorn in her home and business incubators. She sold it at events and got orders from a variety of places.
Recognizing popcorn is primarily a snack food, Davis said its popularity stems from its flexibility. She said there are multiple flavors and then variations on a theme. There are a lot of ways to satisfy customers.
Selling traditional flavors like buttered, caramel, cheese and the company's trademark canary yellow and pineberry blue, Davis continually looks for ways to make something a little different, offering customers continued variety.
'It can be soft or crispy. It can be sweet, sour or savory. It can be cheesy or garlicky,' Davis said. 'It can be anything you want it to be. We have Oreo cookie popcorn,' she added, holding up a large bag. 'We can mix and match.'
Gerdy's Gourmet Popcorn is one of 14 new businesses to open in the past nine weeks in Waukegan, defying nationwide uncertainty with a sense of confidence and local support.
Michael Lachowicz, a chef with French training, operates Aboyer Bistro in Winnetka. He started a fast-casual Mexican eatery — Fondita Miguel — in that suburb late last year. He opened a second Fondita Miguel in Waukegan with a ribbon-cutting on May 30. Uncertainty is not a concern.
'We're doing what works,' Lachowicz said, referring to the Waukegan location inside the Caliber Gun Range on Washington Street. 'I have confidence in what we're doing, and in what (gun range owner) John Galioto is doing.'
Working with mentors as she moved from her kitchen to Post Market Place in downtown Waukegan, Davis said she was schooled by Ken Barber on the ins and outs of developing a business plan. She has confidence now, and is ready to brave uncertainty.
'If you have something good behind you, you have to be willing to take a risk,' she said, 'People aren't going to stop eating or snacking. If you have the drive, go for it.'
Dr. Michael J. Reed, the chair of the board of the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce, said the flurry of new businesses in the city is prompting more to open. There is collaboration among a lot of businesses helping each other. It is contagious, he said.
'We have a lot of hidden gems, and a lot of organizations are collaborating to make Waukegan grow,' Reed said. 'People want to be involved in that special process. People are feeding off each other.'
Mayor Sam Cunningham goes from one ribbon-cutting to another as the businesses open. They include restaurants, retail shops, hair salons and more. He is not surprised by the newfound vibrancy.
'All of this stems from our concept of Waukegan,' Cunningham said. 'These businesses are not only opening, but are supported by the city. We want to make sure they have the resources to be sustainable. Part of our job is to partner with them and the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce.'
Kevin Considine, the president and CEO of Lake County Partners, said in a text that the explosion of new commercial concerns in Waukegan is a positive sign showing several areas of strength.
'It's a testament to our labor force, overall strength as a market and the hard work by the city and others to make it happen,' Considine said.
Alex Perez opened Tito's Pizza on Jackson Street with a ribbon-cutting on May 28. His research was basic, as he heard from his neighbors that there was no place nearby to get pizza. He believes fresh ingredients and community support will overcome any uncertainty.
'Nothing is frozen,' Perez said. 'Everything is fresh. We're busy every day. We are getting a lot of support from the community.'
Other new businesses opening since March 29, or scheduled to open soon in Waukegan, include V's Studio Beauty & Education, Post Market Place Café, Emperess Beauty Studio, Botanero Latino sports bar and restaurant, Forastero's Tako, La Chuparosa, Antojitos Food Tureck, Liguez Brunch and Family & Crab.