Small Businesses in Evanston You Should Know

In honor of Small Business Saturday, we've rounded up our most recent stories about small businesses in Evanston to showcase some of the great places to shop in town.

Opinion columnist Christine Wolf interviews three friends who have "re-opened" a beloved top-of-the-tracks commuter restaurant at the Central Street Metra Station.

Cross-Rhodes Moves Forward After Founder's Death
Two months after Cross-Rhodes founder Jeff Russell's death, his daughter Maria says business is back to normal at the Greek restaurant at 913 Chicago Ave.

After more than four decades operating as Turin Bicycle and then as Ten 27 Cycles, the independent bike store at 1027 Davis St. in Evanston will close this winter and reopen as part of a national chain.

Griffin Cox and his father, Ken Cox, recently opened the café serving coffee, espresso, and upscale sandwiches and pastries in the bottom floor of the office building at 1840 Oak Ave.

Metra Cafe Owners Retire After 24 Years at the ‘Top of the Tracks’
Friends, family and longtime customers say Mary Lou and Bill Smith created a home away from home at their cafe at the Central Street Metra Station.

New Custom Wedding Dress Shop Welcomes Creative Brides
Designer Rachel Alvia and her husband, Ted Alvia, hold the grand opening for the first retail location of their custom wedding dress business, Avail & Company, on Wednesday in downtown Evanston.

New Music Venue Ready To Rock On Church Street
Patch caught up with the owner of a new restaurant and concert hall set to open this November on Church Street. 27 Live will offer rock and roll and grass-fed burgers in a space filled with unique wood elements.

Tag’s Bakery Celebrates 75 Years in Evanston
Tag’s Bakery has provided countless children with birthday cakes every year and now the store is celebrating a big birthday of its own, the big 75. 

Chicago restaurateur Amy Morton returns to the restaurant scene after a 10-year hiatus with a new spot that opened Nov. 6 at 1631 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, the former location of Gio.