Your health has been our priority for decades, and our care continues to be elevated into the future. MacNeal Hospital is excited to introduce an enhanced Emergency Department to reduce wait times and deliver faster, high-quality care.
As part of Loyola Medicine, MacNeal Hospital’s specialists perform the latest surgical techniques and medical treatments in the area.
TRUSTEES
INVESTORS
PROUDLY SERVING WITH OUR PARTNERS
LEADERS
10 Meet Your Neighbor
12
Berwyn’s Best
A MESSAGE FROM THE BDC PRESIDENT
W18
Berwyn Most Affordable Places to Live
hen you grow up in Berwyn, it stays with you. I should know, I am a lifelong resident, and I am proud to call this community home. As I step into the role of President of the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC), I do so with deep gratitude and an even deeper love for our community.
What defines Berwyn is not just its storefronts, streets, or events. It is the pride people take in showing up for one another and the shared belief that we are stronger together. Berwyn’s strength has always come from its people - our small businesses, our families, and our neighbors who look out for one another.
Berwyn is where I learned the value of hard work and community service. While earning my degree in Criminal Justice at the College of DuPage, I worked at MacNeal Hospital and took police and fire exams, driven by one goal: to serve the community that raised me. Becoming a firefighter for Berwyn has given me a chance to give back in the most meaningful way possible.
That same commitment to service guides me in this new role as BDC President. As a local business owner, proud to have my business Recipes from the Firehouse, Mario’s Marinara Sauce, headquarters here in Berwyn, I see every day how supporting local businesses strengthens the entire community.
The BDC’s work is rooted in pride and love of community, building connections, fostering opportunity, and honoring the pride we all share in calling Berwyn home. I am honored to have this opportunity to serve my neighbors and excited to work alongside Berwyn businesses to continue building a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community we are all proud of.
Grand Opening Date: November 20 6917-6919 Cermak Rd. | Berwyn (708) 589-5855 • www.josueduarterealtor.com
Berwyn isn’t just a place on a map, it’s a place where people show up for one another, where traditions are shared, and where every small act of kindness strengthens the fabric of our city.
A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ROBERT J. LOVERO, CITY OF BERWYN
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As we step into February, I’m reminded of one of the things that makes our city truly special: the deep love our residents and businesses have for this community. Berwyn isn’t just a place on a map; it’s a place where people show up for one another, where traditions are shared, and where every small act of kindness strengthens the fabric of our city.
This month’s issue celebrates that spirit. Throughout these pages, you’ll find stories of neighbors supporting neighbors, businesses investing in the well-being of our families, and residents who find joy in giving back. Whether it’s a long-time shop owner who knows every customer by name, a volunteer who quietly dedicates hours to making our community better, or families who choose Berwyn, for its warmth and connection, it’s their love for this city that keeps it thriving.
Our local businesses continue to play a vital role in shaping our identity. They not only fuel our economy but also create spaces, offer opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging. Their dedication, and your support, are at the heart of what makes Berwyn a welcoming place for all.
As you read in this issue, I hope you feel proud of the community we’ve built together. The stories shared here reflect the best of who we are: compassionate, collaborative, and committed to one another’s success. It is this collective love that moves us forward and makes our city such a wonderful place to call home.
Thank you for continuing to invest in Berwyn with your time, your talents, and your hearts. May this month inspire you to celebrate the connections that matter most and to keep spreading the generosity that defines our community.
With warm regards,
Mayor Robert Lovero City of Berwyn
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Recap
HOLIDAY PUB CRAWL
Elfin’ Around the Depot returned on the first Saturday of December. This holidaythemed pub crawl invited participants to explore Depot District bars through a photo-based hunt for hidden elves, festive drinks, and lighthearted group activities to score points. The event successfully boosted seasonal foot traffic and added a festive experience to the corridor this winter. In 2026, the event is scheduled to take place on December 5, building on the success of this year’s crawl, which featured 12 participating bars and restaurants.
TREE LIGHTING
The newly introduced annual Tree Lighting ceremony brings families together to kick off the holiday season in the Depot District. This year, the Depot tree was hosted at Freedom Middle School along Ridgeland Avenue. With plans for a supporting structure located in a more central Depot location, the school generously allowed the tree to be displayed on its property. The BDC sponsored a hot chocolate handout on Dec. 4 for students and parents, supported further by the school’s food service provider, Organic Life, who donated snacks for all.
UPCOMING EVENTS
DEPOT DISTRICT MINI-GOLF PUB CRAWL
The Mini Golf Pub Crawl is an annual Depot District event being held on April 18 from noon to 6 p.m. Bars/restaurants are invited to host their own mini-golf holes for residents and visitors to test their skills — in costume!
BERWYN CRUISE NITES
June 1 & 15 n July 6 & 20 n August 3 & 17 Cruise Nites return on the first and third Mondays of June, July, and August from 6 to 9 p.m., showcasing 50+ cars each night. Cruise Nites is a fun way to show off your ride. Held in the Depot District, car enthusiasts are invited to park up and hang out. This event is free and open to the public!
BERWYN PRIDE WALK
The Berwyn Pride Walk invites community members to gather and show their support every Pride Month on the last Saturday in June. This walk is a recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in Berwyn, a show of support, and a celebration of identities. Join us in celebration on June 27 from noon to 2 p.m. in Berwyn’s Depot District.
BERWYN CRUISE NITES
MINI GOLF PUB CRAWL
BERWYN RT. 66 CAR SHOW
TASTE OF CERMAK ROAD
The Taste of Cermak event is the perfect way to spend a Thursday evening in July! For only $15, enjoy a sample of your favorite Cermak Road business’ offerings! There’s something for the whole family. This event returns on July 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.
BERWYN RT.66 CAR SHOW
The Berwyn Rt.66 Car Show is a highly anticipated annual event held along Berwyn’s strip of Route 66. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, and hundreds of cars will be on display this August for residents and tourists to enjoy at no cost. The show is on Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at berwynrt66.com.
BERWYN OKTOBERFEST
Celebrate the changing of seasons each September at the Berwyn Oktoberfest! On Sept. 18 and 19, expect the fun to return. This event features live music, a food court, and two beer tents! There is no entry fee at this Depot District event.
Want to know what’s coming up? Visit our Public Events Calendar at berwyn.net for the latest BDC events and updates.
Go with a good neighbor
6331 26th St Berwyn, IL 60402 Bus. 708-749-1335 myberwyninsurance.com
MEET YOUR
NEIGHBOR
The Berwyn Development Corporation recently sat down with Aimée Sordelli, Senior Outreach & Coordinator for the City of Berwyn, to talk about an exciting new addition to our community - the Berwyn Senior Center, located at 3320 Grove Avenue, in the Depot District.
Tell us about yourself.
I have been a Senior Advocate for over 40 years. I have served as the President of the Senior Advisory Committee for Cook County for 4 years, as a former Medicare Specialist, and, after a year’s worth of training, I am Dementia Friendly Certified. Berwyn has recently obtained acknowledgment as a Dementia Friendly Community. The 48th community within the State of Illinois to be recognized, and we also received recognition as a Dementia Friendly Community of America. Seniors are my true passion in life, and I look forward to helping our beloved seniors at our new center with their needs.
What can Berwyn seniors find at the Senior Center?
A pleasant, active room for socializing, a private conference room, and daily free beverages. In the next few months, we will
5 Stars Sports is the home to a diverse range of teams and sports programs. Our commitment to fostering talent ensures that players of all ages and skill levels can thrive. Join us as a community offering events, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences
host a memory cafe featuring donated books, crafts, and games. The Recreation Department has Bingo almost every Tuesday and monthly lunches with confirmed reservations. We plan to offer educational classes and resources from our local senior agencies and providers in the coming year. We also have applications available for senior transportation through the Pace transportation program and for resident snow and lawn care.
Where can community members go to learn more about the Senior Center?
Residents can stop by the center at 3320 Grove Ave. during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. We have many different resources available at no cost from local providers and partners. We are happy to help with any questions or concerns.
CHICAGO’S ORIGINAL ITALIAN BEEF
Est. 1981 • Berwyn, IL
Founded by Berwyn residents Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto, Buona is proud of the community that helped make their dream a reality. From the very beginning, the Buonavolanto family has made their beef the original way: slow roasted to produce an all-natural gravy. This traditional method, along with their secret spice blend, makes a sandwich that's so good – they put their name on it.
Because “Buona” means Good.
CelebratingBERWYN’S BEST
Behind every business in Berwyn is a story of passion, resilience, and genuine love for the people who live and work here. Each success is rooted in community support, shared pride, and the belief that when one business thrives, Berwyn thrives with it. That spirit was celebrated at the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) Annual Meeting, where the BDC brought together neighbors, business owners, and city partners to recognize Berwyn excellence. What makes the honors especially meaningful is that they represent both the heartfelt appreciation of fellow chamber members and the proud support of city leadership, united in celebrating those who strengthen Berwyn.
CHARLES E. PIPER AWARD
Michelle Fernandez, owner of Media Noche Café at 6836 Windsor Ave., is the recipient of the Charles E. Piper Award. Fernandez is honored for her warmth and generosity have made her a beloved presence in the community. In just five years, she has created a welcoming space where customers are treated like family. From showcasing artwork by local artists, to offering bilingual books and plants from small business owners, Media Noche celebrates collaboration and supports fellow entrepreneurs. What truly sets Fernandez apart is her deep and unwavering commitment that extends beyond her business, making her a respected figure in Berwyn.
GEORGE W. ASHBY AWARD
La Parra at 6710 Cermak Road, is the winner of the George W. Ashby Award. This special restaurant is a partnership of five families who introduced a new dining concept centered on customer experience and Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. Known for their hibiscus cocktail, Frida, La Parra’s creativity, hospitality, and consistency that have kept both new and longtime customers coming back. The idea of La Parra came to life during the pandemic, shaped by years of fine dining expertise and elevated dining that blends innovation, tradition, and heart.
Join us in celebrating our honorees! Visit their businesses, share your congratulations, and help keep Berwyn’s spirit of “love of community” strong. Additional award information is available at berwyn.net/awards.
NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR
Youth Crossroads, received Berwyn’s Non-Profit of the Year Award. Its mission is to support youth and their families, guiding them through life’s challenges, and inspiring them to discover new opportunities for personal development, healthy relationships, and positive community involvement through a continuum of services that includes counseling, violence prevention, youth leadership training, after-school enrichment, workforce development, early childhood intervention, and community outreach. With a team that mirrors the communities they serve, they continue to ensure that all programming remains free and accessible in both English and Spanish. Backed by more than 100 community partnerships, Youth Crossroads has built a trusted network of support to address the complex challenges facing today’s youth and families, ensuring they never feel alone. Learn more about this dynamic organization at Youthcrossroads.org.
BEST NEW ADDITION TO BERWYN
The Best New Addition to Berwyn Award goes to Ofrenda Cantina Y Cocina at 6641 Ogden Avenue, a new restaurant founded by partners Ernesto Torres, Jose Torres, Fernando Torres, and Lalo Alanis, and inspired by their families’ long-standing legacy in the restaurant industry.
What began as a food truck eight years ago grew into a long-held dream of opening a permanent home in Berwyn. It’s no secret that excitement was building for Ofrenda’s grand opening after the partners teased their restaurant in 2023. Since officially opening, Ofrenda has already captivated guests with its modern, haciendainspired design and reinterpretations of beloved Mexican dishes. Grateful for these rewarding beginnings, they are committed to sharing their passion for food with the community for years to come, a true celebration of heritage, family, and love of place.
6931 Roosevelt Road Berwyn, IL 60402
Visit our website for information on upcoming hours, news, and events.
Berwynshops.com (708) 788-8100
homegrown@berwyn.net
Follow us at @berwynshops
CONGRATULATIONS
The Berwyn Development Corporation is pleased to announce the successful graduation of the 2025 Berwyn Shops cohort. The fourth season of Berwyn Shops brought together a diverse and talented group of entrepreneurs.
Over the course of eight months, the 2025 cohort dedicated their time, creativity, and effort to building their brands and growing
their businesses. This season also highlighted the importance of community, from Berwyn locals serving as jury members during the selection process, to community leaders collaborating with vendors, and neighbors coming together for family-friendly events throughout the season. Berwyn Shops would not have been possible without the involvement, support, and love of the Berwyn community.
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
$117,000+ in sales 12+ media spotlights 12+ trainings 33+ events
LOOKING AHEAD TO SEASON 5
Season 5 launches in early spring 2026, at 6931 Roosevelt Road, welcoming 12 new vendors ready to carry forward the same spirit of creativity, resilience, and community love that defines Berwyn.
Stay on the lookout for more details on the next season of Berwyn Shops.
TO THE 2025 BERWYN SHOPS GRADUATES
LOVE FOR LOCAL GROWTH
2025 was also a milestone year for Project Homegrown, welcoming three new partners, expanding resources for vendors, and celebrating three alumni who took the leap into storefront ownership. One of those stories belongs to Nzuri Kulture owner Katrina Thacker, who shared:
“Berwyn Shops and Sprout didn’t just provide a platform to sell; it provided community, exposure, and real opportunities. That support played
a major role in helping me open my new location here in Berwyn at 6301 Roosevelt Road.”
After successfully graduating from the program and opening a storefront in Berwyn, Katrina was awarded a $10,000 graduate grant, an investment in both her business and the continued growth of the local community.
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
BERWYN SPROUT
WRAPS UP TWO AND A HALF YEARS OF GROWTH
As Berwyn Sprout closed its doors on December 28, 2025, the final weeks were marked by an extraordinary show of community support. In its final month alone, Sprout generated over $60,000 in sales, an extraordinary show of love from residents who showed up again and again to support local makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
Throughout 2025, Berwyn Sprout thrived as a hub for small businesses and big ideas. A total of 47 vendors participated during the year, collectively generating more than $300,000 in sales. Over the past two and a half years, Sprout vendors reached milestones well beyond sales, hosting events, building partnerships, joining the Berwyn Shops program, opening additional storefronts, and forming a strong network of peer support that continues to benefit Berwyn’s small-business community.
While Berwyn Sprout came to a close at the end of 2025, it marked a meaningful transition rather than an ending. Sprout succeeded in its mission of lowering barriers for entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration, and proving that Berwyn residents are eager to invest in local businesses. The relationships, skills, and momentum developed through Sprout will continue to shape Berwyn’s small-business ecosystem for years to come.
As Cermak Plaza looks toward new possibilities and future development, Berwyn Sprout leaves behind a powerful legacy rooted in creativity, resilience, and community. To every vendor, customer, and supporter who made Sprout what it was: thank you for helping this project grow.
BERWYN CHAMBER
services
CONNECTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAMBER MANAGER
In 2025, we showed love; love for our businesses, love for our neighbors, and love for the vibrant, determined, welcoming community that makes Berwyn truly special. As we reflect on our achievements and look toward the future, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Board, the City of Berwyn, and our esteemed members for your unwavering support. With your support, the Berwyn Chamber celebrated significant successes.
The Chamber was thrilled to welcome 30 new businesses in 2025, bringing our membership total to 266. Each new chapter began with excitement. Grand openings buzzing with community pride, spotlights across our social platforms, and features in our e-blasts that introduced these entrepreneurs to the people who believe in them from day one. Every achievement we celebrate as a Chamber is rooted in the shared passion for our members, partners and the City of Berwyn. Members eagerly embraced unique opportunities like the Street Pole Banner Program, Berwyn Magazine, and the final cohort of the Berwyn Internship for Small Businesses—all programs designed to help our businesses shine even brighter. Our love for connection was equally visible in the 28 dynamic events, including Women in Business meetings, Business After Hours, and Non-Profit Roundtables. More than 454 attendees came together to share resources, learn from one another and strengthen the relationships that make the business community and the City of Berwyn thrive.
As we step into 2026, we are not just continuing this work; we are deepening it. Our love for the Berwyn Business community fuels our vision for a year where support runs even stronger, opportunities reach even farther, and connections grow even deeper.
Dominique Carmona Chamber Manager
IMPACT OF COLLABORATION
S ince 2023, the Berwyn Development Corporation and Dominican University have partnered together with a shared mission to empower small businesses in Berwyn through digital transformation. This collaboration has helped local businesses strengthen their online presence—refreshing websites, elevating social media, and adapting tools that drive growth in today’s digital economy. Thanks to this strong partnership, more than 40 businesses have successfully transformed their digital footprint, opening doors to new customers, and opportunities. This program is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations unite around a shared love for supporting local businesses and cultivating a thriving community.
As this program concludes, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dominican University for its valued partnership and to every business that participated over the years. Their participation reflects the spirit of Berwyn as bold, collaborative, and full of heart.
BDC SHOWING LOVE to the Community 2025
Every year, the BDC aims to drive economic development, provide chamber services, and promote the Berwyn community as a destination. We work closely with the City of Berwyn, local businesses, and other stakeholders to support equitable growth for all of Berwyn. Thankfully, the BDC was also able to give back to the Berwyn community through financial donations and volunteer efforts in 2025. With the support of the Board of Directors, the BDC gave over $105,000 to local organizations and innovative projects!
BDC proudly partnered with Berwyn Park District by donating a Ford F350 truck of $43,000 value, strengthening community bonds and ensuring smooth, collaborative event operations.
Through the Philanthropic Grant, the BDC annually awards funding to local non-profits. In 2025, we awarded $9,500 to 5 organizations, enabling them to upgrade their facilities and host events.
This year, we secured a grant to transform a longvacant property on Roosevelt Road into the new Berwyn Arts Plaza. Designed in collaboration with community partners, this project will create a welcoming pocket park and gathering space for performances, workshops, and creative programming. By developing this site and returning it to the community, we’re investing in a vibrant, accessible place where residents and artists can connect, create, and thrive.
In 2025, the BDC concluded the BISB program in partnership with Dominican University. By giving $43,000, students were paired with 18 local businesses to enhance their online presence.
Finally, we gave over $10,000, sponsoring local events such as the Morton 201 Foundation, Youth Crossroads Gala and the North Berwyn Park District’s Best of Berwyn.
BERWYN EARNS A SPOT AMONG ILLINOIS’
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT services PLACES TO LIVE MOST AFFORDABLE
And Its Love of Community Shines Through
Berwyn has something new to celebrate. Recently, Redfin Real Estate named Berwyn one of the 10 most affordable places to live in Illinois, ranking it at number 10 out of the 1,280 cities and towns in Illinois. While the recognition highlights housing affordability, longtime residents know the real story goes deeper, it’s Berwyn’s love of community that truly sets it apart.
Often called the “City of Homes,” Berwyn is known for its classic Chicago-style bungalows, walkable neighborhoods, and deep-rooted pride of place. With a median home value of approximately $286,000, Berwyn offers a more accessible path to homeownership. Renters also benefit from a wide range of affordable options,
making it easier for people at all stages of life to put down roots.
That sense of belonging is felt throughout the city. Home to more than 55,888 residents, Berwyn is one of the most diverse and inclusive communities in suburban Cook County. Its vibrant cultural mix, strong family ties, and welcoming spirit have helped shape a community where neighbors look out for one another. Berwyn is also recognized for its inclusivity, ranking among the top suburban communities in Cook County for same-sex marriages.
“This recognition affirms what Berwyn residents already know that our city is more than affordable housing; it’s a community where people feel
connected, welcomed, and proud to call home,” said Mayor Robert J. Lovero. “Berwyn’s strength has always come from our neighbors, our diversity, and our shared commitment to building a city where everyone can thrive.”
Residents enjoy the best of both worlds: local parks, beloved restaurants, arts and cultural events, and a lively small-business scene, paired with easy access to Chicago just nine miles away via Metra, CTA, and Pace bus routes.
Affordability may have earned Berwyn a spot on Redfin’s list, but it’s the city’s connections, character, and community pride that keep people there. Together, these qualities define what it truly means to love where you live.
ANNUAL STATISTICS
FROM VISION
Vitality to
HOW BERWYN’S FINISH LINE GRANT IS STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY— ONE BUSINESS AT A TIME
Small businesses are more than storefronts; they are gathering places, neighborhood anchors, and the heartbeat of Berwyn’s economy. They shape how our city looks, feels, and connects. Yet many residents and business owners may not realize that there’s a powerful local tool helping these businesses cross the finish line on much-needed improvements: the City of Berwyn’s Finish Line Grant.
Administered by the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC), the Finish Line Grant is a redevelopment incentive available to businesses and commercial property owners located within Berwyn’s three active Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts: Harlem/ Cermak, Depot, and Roosevelt Road. The program provides financial assistance for interior and exterior renovations—helping businesses reinvest in their spaces
and, in turn, reinvest in the community.
Eligible applicants can receive up to 50% reimbursement of project costs, with grants capped at $50,000. For small businesses operating on tight margins, this support can be the difference between postponing improvements and making meaningful upgrades that enhance customer experience, safety, and long-term sustainability.
And the impact is real.
In 2025 alone, more than $135,500 in Finish Line Grant funds were awarded to eight local projects, leveraging over $332,700 in private investment. That means for every public dollar invested, roughly $2.50 flowed back into Berwyn’s commercial corridors, a clear example of how strategic public investment fuels private confidence and community growth.
6729 STANLEY AVENUE LLC
BERWYN DENTAL CONNECTION
DUARTE REALTY COMPANY
Here are a few examples of business and property owners who invested in their properties and completed renovation projects in 2025. The following projects are a snapshot of a broader wave of reinvestment that is strengthening Berwyn’s commercial corridors:
n 6729 Stanley Avenue LLC, owned by Luis Ortiz, completed a new retail white box at 6729 Stanley Avenue, creating a flexible space ready to welcome new businesses to the neighborhood.
n Berwyn Dental Connection, owned by Olivia Lares, upgraded the building with new window replacements at 6735 Stanley Avenue, improving energy efficiency, safety, and curb appeal for patients and passersby.
n Duarte Realty Company, owned by Josue and Evelyn Duarte,
completed a full multi-office buildout at 6917–6919 Cermak Road, supporting small professional businesses and local employment.
n FITZGERALDS & BABYGOLD, owned by Will Duncan and Jess King, added a new exterior pavilion at 6615 Roosevelt Road, expanding space for live music, events, and community gatherings.
n Godson’s Berwyn, owned by Melissa McCreery, invested in an outdoor dining patio and new taproom flooring at 6910 Windsor Avenue, creating more opportunities for neighbors to connect over food and drink.
n Leyla Home Furniture, owned by Ribhi Jibawi, refreshed the space with new carpeting and flooring at 6719 Cermak Road, enhancing the shopping experience for customers and families.
GODSON’S BERWYN
LEYLA HOME FURNITURE
n PRO LG Insurance, owned and operated by Jorge and Laura Gomez, installed a new branded awning at 6547 Cermak Road, making their presence in Berwyn more visible and welcoming.
n W3Body, A Women’s Gym, owned by Jamie Revell, upgraded the facility with new flooring throughout at 6342 Cermak Road, supporting a safe, inclusive space for women’s health and wellness.
Together, these improvements show how public and private partnerships create long-term value, not just for individual businesses, but for the entire community that shops, works, and gathers there.
Interested in a Finish Line Grant?
Thinking about rehabilitating, remodeling, or bringing your property up to code? You may be eligible for the City of Berwyn’s Finish Line Grant, which supports costs related to:
• Façade improvements
• Interior buildouts and remodels
• Code compliance renovations
• Installation or maintenance of life safety and security systems
• Rodent abatement and other qualifying upgrades
Funding is administered and awarded through the BDC on a first-come,
first-served basis, calculated as a percentage of total project costs, with a maximum grant of $50,000 per eligible property.
To qualify, applicants must:
• Own or operate a commercial property
• Be a commercial property or business owner in good standing with the State of Illinois and City of Berwyn
• Be located within the Roosevelt, Depot, or Harlem/Cermak TIF Districts
• Submit a completed application before starting any work
For more Finish Line Grant information, contact Alexis Alaimo, Economic Development Project Manager, at AlexisA@ berwyn.net, or scan the QR code to learn more.