Pilsenquarterly

INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL NEWSLETTER

P I L S EN QUA RTERLY | VOLUME 2 | ISS UE 2 M AY /2 018
Photo credit: Andrew Brady, Alulu Brewery and Pub

PILSEN: A BREWING LEGACY

NEWS IN THIS ISSUE
• Pilsen: A Brewing Legacy
• A Vegetarian’s Road Map
to Pilsen
• Getting a Small Business Loan
• A Look Behind the Local Movie
Scene
• A Hidden Purveyor of Beauty
 PILSEN: A BREWING LEGACY By: Diana Hinojosa

Just a few blocks west, one can find the Lo Rez

Brewing and Taproom (2101 S Carpenter St).
It offers a funky warehouse-like saloon, where
one can savor their variety of craft brews in a
“safe space and have good times,” according to
David Dahl who is part owner. A “good time”
consists of hanging out in their taproom in a
diverse sea of patrons, listening to anything
from metal scream music to an all female
mariachi band on Cinco the Mayo, as long as
it’s local. The same goes for the art that dresses
their walls. All local. The brewery offers 10-12
beers on a given day, and they distribute to 85
Chicago bars and restaurants including The
Barrel and Dusek’s in Pilsen. Their brew varies
wildly between light and dark, and comes in
many different flavors. Amongst their most
popular varieties is the LimeWire, with its light
body and hint of lemon zing.

When pondering the site of their future

business, it was important for owners David
Dahl and Kevin Lilly to find the right residential
area because “[they] wanted to be a part of
Photo credit: Andrew Brady, Alulu Brewery and Pub the neighborhood. Now [they] look around
and see a bunch of familiar faces.” Quality
Beer is no strange brew to people of Mexican Evidence remains, however, of Pilsen’s is also important to them, and that is why
descent, since a large wave of Germanic brewing history on 18th and Canal St., where accredited brew master Kevin Lilly completed
immigration into Mexico in the mid 1800s the Schoenhofen Brewery building–a pre- some of his training at Siebel. Although they
brought with it grain beer production under Prohibition era structure–still stands. It was love the neighborhood, Dahl would like to see
the domain of Austro-German Emperor founded by Peter Schoenhofen, who was among more “creative community-driven solutions for
Maximilian. It makes sense that Pilsen, a a group of Chicago brewers that collectively displacement, more opportunities for family
predominantly Mexican neighborhood, today produced 100 million gallons of beer per year business, and more mom-and-pop shops.” To
houses three craft beer breweries. But few by 1900. The brewery survived prohibition, the aspiring entrepreneurs with dreams of
people know that beer production is in Pilsen’s but today is only a ghost of brewers past. founding their own brewing business he offers
“DNA,” so to speak. The neighborhood was this advice: “Be ready to put everything on the
once predominantly inhabited by Czech Moody Tongue Brewing Company, (2136 S line and risk it all.”
immigrants when it acquired its name in the Peoria St), with a name that refers to a person’s
mid 1800s. For the Czechs, beer is a staple. They discerning palette, marked the dawn of a new
have been making it since the 12th century. And day for Pilsen brewing since it was the first
according to The Kirin Beer University Report Global to open as a production brewery about three Today, craft beer
Beer Consumption by Country in 2012, The Czech years ago. It boasts a sleek taproom, a relaxing
Republic has the highest beer consumption per ambience, and Jared Rouben, an accredited
is a culture.
capita in the world. Over the past few years, brew master who taught at the The Siebel
the three breweries have set up shop just north Institute of Technology, a reputable Chicago
of Cermak Road, between Ashland Avenue brewing school attended by aspiring brew Just a bit further west is Alulu Brewery and Pub
and Halsted Street. They each have tap rooms masters from all over the world. Their menu (2011 S Laflin St), a microbrewery named after
allowing residents to experiment with a variety offers a variety of locally-brewed delights, a Sumerian tablet created during 2050 BC that
of craft beers, a local tradition that dates back ranging from the Caramelized Chocolate served as a signed receipt for a beer delivery
to the mid 1880s, when factories, stockyards, Churro Baltic Porter to the Sliced Nectarine made by a brewer named Alulu. This brewery
and breweries sprang up in what would IPA, and a few fine cheese platters, oysters is what you get when you combine nine “sci-
become Pilsen. Jaime Garza, a local bohemian and baguettes to boot. The brewery employs fi nerds” who love good beer, good food, and
could not be more pleased to see a revival of quite a few Pilsen natives, and welcomes the who have a knack for business. This is made
this tradition in the neighborhood: “Breweries community to join them on their brewery tours, evident by the three-headed deer printed on
used to be a place where the brew master would Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm, 3:00pm, their take-home growlers, their popular craft
talk to the people of the community. Then big and 4:30pm. The tours include complimentary beer selection, and their “eclectic chef-driven”
companies started going straight from brew to perennial beer and specialty Moody Tongue food menu.
store. Today, craft beer is a culture.” glassware to take home at $20.00 per person.

2 Pilsenquarterly

We love the
neighborhood
Their craft beer menu offers unique options
such as their Fox de Locus Watermelon Kettle
Sour and their Marshmallow Winter Imperial
Stout, made possible by their accredited
head brewer, Logan, who comes from Bells
and Founders – two of the biggest names in
Michigan beer. Their popular brew can be
paired with their Eastern European and global
inspired dishes for a memorable culinary
experience.
The welcoming space Alulu offers includes a
relaxed and cozy ambience with a fireplace, a
dog-friendly outdoor patio, and open garage
doors on two floors that allow patrons to
enjoy a cool breeze and the buzz of the Pilsen
neighborhood as passers go by. The furniture is
made with the wood they salvaged after gutting
the building, which the owners themselves de-
nailed and sanded. Their walls are painted
grey in order to exhibit the work of Chicago
underground artists.
This tribe of owners is happy to be in Pilsen. not wealthy people. The nine of us pulled our
“We love the neighborhood,” says Paul Heintz,
part owner of the brewery. “The South Side is
resources together.” He is confident that if you
show the U.S. Small Business Administration
more down-to-earth,” he assures. And they put
their money where their mouth is. The brewery
(SBA) that you are a serious candidate, they
will most likely facilitate a business loan for
has donated lots of beer for community events, you. He should know, as the SBA was able to
such as church and nonprofit fundraisers. assist them in their endeavor.
They also like to keep it in the neighborhood.
They do not distribute to any outside venues.
If you want to try their enticing brew, you have
to come to Pilsen. If their beer doesn’t bring
If you want to try
you to the neighborhood, perhaps you would
like to join one of their painting classes while
their enticing brew,
sipping on a cold one, have a few laughs on you have to come to
their comedy night every second Sunday, or
maybe even join their running group. Either Pilsen
way, an evening at Alulu is a guaranteed good
time. In honoring Pilsen’s legacy of brewing,
Eighteenth Street Development Corporation
Running such a business, however, involves will be hosting the Pilsen Arts & Crafts and
many hours of work and dedication. For Beer Festival in October of this year. The craft
these sci-fi enthusiasts it took one brewery to beer tasting event will give festival goers the
rule them all, one brewery to find them, one chance to become acquainted with locally-
brewery to bring them all, and in the business brewed favorites and the funds raised will go
bind them. But do not be deterred. To the toward funding Pilsen mural projects. Join us,
aspiring brewery owner, Heintz offers this and keep in mind that “once you go craft, you
piece of advice: “It is totally attainable. It just can’t go back.”
takes endless drive and lots of debt. We are
Photo credit: Andrew Brady, Alulu Brewery and Pub
Pilsenquarterly 3
 CHICAGO SCENIC STUDIOS
By Diana Hinojosa
Few people know that in the early 1900s, Chicago was a central hub of
filmmaking before Hollywood took center stage as the movie capital of the
world. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the Windy City witnessed a revival in
film production, when popular films such as The Blues Brothers and Sixteen
Candles were produced. It was around that time that Bob Doepel, graduate
of Carnegie Mellon University, who happened to do his thesis on theater
and came from a construction background, founded Chicago Scenic Studios.
Being the great-grandson of the man who founded the company that built
Navy Pier, and having had a love for theater created the chemistry needed
to found a company such as Chicago Scenic Studios, which has withstood
the test of time having been successfully operating for the last forty years.
The company is considered the “premier” theater, entertainment, television,
and event scene and set company of Chicago. Chances are, you have seen
their work on television, a blockbuster film, a Chicago museum or even a
local theater. Some of their most recognized work includes 25 years’ worth
of sets for the Oprah Winfrey Show, The Joffrey Ballet’s performances of the
Nutcracker and the Science Storms exhibit at the Museum of Science and
Industry.

It was only last year that the company decided to call Pilsen “home” after
having moved from its former Goose Island location, and they couldn’t be
happier with their decision. The new building provides 165,000 square feet of
space and is ideally located. The Goodman Theater and downtown museums
are not far, and Ravenswood Events, one of their partners, is just down the
street. The space can also be easily accessed by their forty-five employees,
who are each masters in their fields. Their permanent roster includes
skilled carpenters, metalworkers, sculptors, scenic painters, and electrical/
mechanical workers. All experts. All union members. Although they brought
many of their employees with them from their former Goose Island location,
they encourage more people from Pilsen to apply if they have a skill set in
those trade areas. Landing a job with Chicago Scenic Studios speaks volumes
about the applicant as they like to hire people who are not only masters of
their craft, but who also share their work ethic. Joining their team could mean
that they are in it for the long haul, as they are good to their employees,
evident by the fact that some of their people have been with the company for
over 30 years, while the majority have been with them for 5-15 years.

The company’s generous nature and willingness to integrate into the Pilsen
community is evident, as they collect donations all year long and make a
donation to a local cause around the holidays. They also open their doors to the
community during Open House Chicago, a free public festival organized by
The Chicago Architecture Foundation where festival goers are given behind-
the-scenes access to more than 200 buildings across Chicago, and where they
can explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s diverse
neighborhoods.

The company has recently celebrated their 40-year anniversary, and in that
time have become leaders in an extremely competitive industry. So how does
a given company achieve such a status? Surely, choosing the right talent and
bringing in the right people for the job is important as their work involves
Photos credit: Chicago Scenic Studios

expert craftsmanship. But there is something even more unique to Chicago

Scenic Studios that sets it apart from its competitors. They set expectations
for their clients early on. They are upfront about costs. These, however, are
only logistics. There is something that goes deeper and gives the company a
character of its own. According to Rachel Strack, the company’s Marketing
Manager, “Chicago Scenic Studios strives to evoke emotions and honor
[their] clients’ vision.” It is this philosophy that may very well keep them at
the forefront of their industry for many more years to come.

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 EXODO 57 SALON AND SPA:
A HIDDEN PURVEYOR OF BEAUTIFUL SKIN By Diana Hinojosa

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, some would say: but science begs
to differ, as there are claims made on its behalf stating that there are
universal standards of beauty, all pointing to one singular trait, fertility.
In women, for example, fuller hips and buttocks, healthy hair and skin
are an unconscious gauge of easy childbearing and good genes to pass
on to our offspring. Our skin, being the largest organ of the human
body, holds a special place as the clearest indicator of good physical
health. The more beautiful our skin is, the more attractive we feel,
leading to higher levels of self-esteem. This is what inspired Socorro
Gutierrez, sole proprietor of Exodo 57 Spa Salon (1834 S Throop St.)
to found her business.

Socorro Gutierrez immigrated to the US in 1978 from Guadalajara,

Mexico. After a divorce, she was working 12-hour days in a factory to
raise her children. She reminisces about the sacrifices she made back
then, the coveted toys she couldn’t buy, and her own personal delayed
gratification. This was how she was able put away 40% of her earnings
from 1978 to 1989 in order to purchase the building out of which effective in treating severe acne as it not only kills the bacteria, but
she now operates her business, a feat made possible by the resonating it prevents the acne from spreading and prevents new pimples from
words of her mother: “Save your pennies today as if they were dollars, emerging.
so that tomorrow, you will be able to spend your dollars as if they were
pennies.” Today, her 6-unit building, storefront included, sits on a Dry skin
Pilsen corner just off of 18th street, she is her own boss, and her three For clients with dry skin, Exodo offers a hyaluronic acid treatment
children are all college educated, including Carina Sanchez, City of in order to deliver lasting moisture. The hyaluronic acid molecule is
Chicago Public Building Commissioner. capable of holding up to 1000 times its weight in water, and can easily
grab moisture so that the skin can absorb it. As we age, skin tends to
Socorro, or “Coco” as she is endearingly referred to in the neighborhood, lose its suppleness, and it begins to sag making fine lines and wrinkles
has found purpose in turning men and women’s lives around by more noticeable. Hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin to smooth out
transforming their hair and skin. The services she offers at her hair fine lines and wrinkles
salon spa include: hair dying, highlights, perms, hair moisturizing
treatments, and Brazilian Keratin (a protein treatment that straightens Wrinkles
hair), but facials are her passion as well as her specialty. What sets her Free radicals are basically unstable atoms found in the human body
facials apart, however, is that she uses the latest technology and keeps that come from certain metabolic processes or external sources such
her knowledge current as she attends a skincare symposium in Mexico as exposure to X-rays, cigarette smoking, air pollutants, ozone and
every year. The technology she uses is centered around electroporation industrial chemicals. They tend to break down collagen and reduce
(a microbiology technique in which an electrical field is applied to elasticity which ages our skin and makes wrinkles more apparent.
cells in order to increase the permeability of the cell membrane). Collagen injections are an alternative to Botox, and an effective way to
This allows “active” skin products to fully penetrate the skin. Also, treat wrinkles with little side effects, mainly bruising. Bovine collagen
Socorro uses only non-commercial products which she gets directly injections generally range from $250 to $850 per session. At Exodo,
from the laboratory where they are made. These products are only however, you can get the same results without the injection, through
sold to certified professionals and usually have a 60% active ingredient electroporation, with a significantly smaller dent to your pocketbook. It
concentration rate, compared to the “off the shelf ” versions which, on is Socorro’s personal philosophy that working men and women should
average, tend to have a maximum concentration of 17%. As far as she also have access to high quality skin care treatments and therefore
knows, she is the only certified professional in Chicago who uses that ensures that her facials are financially accessible to Pilsen residents.
line of products. Socorro also offers an alternative to the collagen filler, which is an
active anti-aging, anti-oxidant serum that can effectively treat wrinkles,
All of the facials she offers include steaming (to open the pores), for vegan and vegetarian clients who are not comfortable with bovine
cleansing (to remove impurities once the pores are open), and diamond collagen.
tip microdermabrasion (to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, remove
acne scars, clear up blackheads, minimize the size of the pores, reduce Blemishes/Blotchy Skin
sun damage, and even out the skin tone). She then makes an assessment For clients who wish to erase the blemishes off their skin, she offers an
as to your most pressing skin needs and custom tailors your facial active product which delivers noticeable results after only two visits.
accordingly, as she decides on the active product you need. Socorro also offers chemical peels which are typically used to restore
a youthful, vibrant appearance to wrinkly, blotchy, sun-damaged skin.
Acne-prone skin According to Socorro, “Because of the harsh weather conditions in
There are some severe acne problems that seem to recur despite the Chicago, we need to take extra steps to beautify our skin and slow-
use of over-the-counter products. At Exodo 57 Salon/Spa, blue light down the aging process.” Exodo 57 is one of Pilsen’s hidden gems and
therapy is used to eliminate inflammation and rid the skin of acne- is definitely worth a visit.
causing bacteria. This high-frequency acne treatment can be very

Pilsenquarterly 5
 WHERE TO EAT
VEGETARIAN IN PILSEN:
A ROAD MAP By Diana Hinojosa
The fact that research reveals that men who avoid
red meat improve the sex appeal of their body odor
is only one of the reasons why some people are going
vegetarian. There are plenty of humanitarian and
environmental reasons as to why giving up meat is
the right thing to do.
It may come to some surprise that there could be a
correlation between a person’s IQ and a vegetarian
diet. According to one British study, a child’s IQ
could help predict whether it is probable that
he or she will become a vegetarian. The results
of the study showed that the higher the IQ , the
more likely the child will become a vegetarian. It
is no wonder historical figures such as Leonardo da
Vinci, Henry Ford, and Albert Einstein opted out
of a carnivorous diet.
The impact that livestock have on the environment
is another matter of concern. It takes 2,500 gallons
of water to produce 1 pound of meat, while it only
takes 25 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of
wheat. That is 100 times more water! According to
the United Nations, by the year 2025 an estimated
1.8 billion people will live in water-scarce areas, and
two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in
water-stressed regions. At this rate, veganism may
just be an inevitable lifestyle for the future of the
human race.
The livestock sector also adds major stress to many
ecosystems and on the planet as a whole. Globally,
it is one of the largest sources of greenhouse
gases (GHG) and one of the leading contributors
to the loss of biodiversity, while in developed and
emerging countries it is perhaps the leading source
of water pollution.
The number of animals killed for meat every hour
in the U.S. is 500,000. Many vegetarians avoid meat
for ethical reasons, mainly because of their stance
against animal cruelty, which is commonplace in
today’s meat production industry. For example,
when stunners don’t work the way they are meant
to work on hogs, they are sometimes sent to the
scalding tanks (meant to soften the skin of dead
pigs), while they are still alive and conscious.
Another good example is the fact that poultry is not
included in the Humane Slaughter Act so it is not a
requirement to stun them before they are shackled
on a moving rail to have their throats slit. Some are
still alive when they are submerged in the scalding
tank. Those that are still alive are even labeled
“redskins.”
Ethical concerns are certainly good reasons to
end one’s lifelong relationship with meat, but is it
healthy for the human body? Some might say we
are omnivores by design. But is evolution pushing
us in a different direction? After all, it has done so
before. We still grow wisdom teeth, although we
no longer need them as we no longer have the big
jawbones that our prehistoric ancestors had. Nobel
Prize winner Elizabeth Blackburn found that a
vegan diet changed more than 500 genes in just 3
months. It activated genes that prevented disease
and deactivated genes that caused various cancers
and other illnesses.
6 Pilsenquarterly
Deciding to become a
Vegetarian sounds good
on paper, but is it a
difficult endeavor in real
life? After having made
the life-changing decision
to give up meat, is “eating
out” no longer an option?
It just so happens that in
Pilsen, vegetarianism is a
deliciously easy undertaking. Photo credit: Andrew Brady, Vegetable Lumpia at Alulu Brewery
We invite you to explore
our community’s versatile
vegetarian palette on any day of the week. And Dinner
we remind you that if you want to take it one step Vegan Bourbon BBQ Pulled Jackfruit With House-
further, veganism can sometimes be a mere dollop made sauce, scallion mushroom pancake, green bean and
of sour cream, sprinkle of cheese, or an egg away! chives
Black Bean & Smoked Jalapeño Burger Made in-
Cinco Rabanitos 1758 W 18th St. house. With pickled onion, blackened poblano cream cheese,
Appetizers brioche, frites, onion dip
Papas a la plaza Golden potatoes in spicy 3-chile salsa,
queso añejo, sour cream, red pickled onions. Pl-zen 1519 W 18th St.
Fried plantains Creamy chipotle, candied pecans, queso Appetizers
añejo Veggie mac and cheese
Stuffed jalapeños Black beans, salsa, and queso fresco Salads
cream Red quinoa salad Black beans, radishes, cilantro, red
Vegetarian queso fundido Poblano rajas and melted onions, cherry tomatoes, cumin dressing
cheese Lunch
Soup Chilaquiles Chipotle-jalapeño tortilla chips, black beans,
Vegetarian pozole Serrano tomatillo broth, Mexican tomatillo sauce, queso fresco crispy chorizo, pico de gallo,
pumpkin seeds, avocado, crunchy fresh garnishes chipotle aioli, runny egg
Sandwich Eggs benedict With eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini and
Vegetarian torta Roasted vegetables, melted cheese, yellow squash (served with roasted potatoes or fresh fruit, and
tomatillo-avocado salsa, and pickled onions habanero hollandaise
Salad Veggie omlette Cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow
Seasonal salad Mixed greens, roasted beets, carrots, squash, goat cheese
cauliflower, roasted pecans, spicy guayaba dressing Sides
Breakfast Sweet potato fries
Vegetarian cazuela Zucchini, potato, mushrooms Truffle fries
Chilaquiles rojos o verdes Crunchy tortilla, cheesy Dinner
scrambled eggs, either guajillo-ancho chile sauce (rojo) or Veggie burger Black beans, sweet corn, romaine, guacamole,
tomatillo-serrano sauce (verde) truffle mascarpone, alfalfa sprouts, pretzel
Huevos rancheros Sunny side up or scrambled eggs, crispy Veggie tacos Seasonal selection, radish, pickled red onions,
tostada, roasted tomato sauce, black beans, queso fresco avocado, jalapeño aioli
Lunch Veggie tostadas Refried beans, seasonal vegetables, chipotle
Huarache Corn masa “sandal” topped with roasted aioli, avocado, pickled red onions
vegetables, beans, sour cream, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes
Enchiladas rojas o verdes Cheesy scrambled egg D’Nuez 2000 W 18th St.
enchiladas in toasted guajillo salsa with napa cabbage or Appetizers
tomatillo Serrano sauce with sour cream and queso fresco Guacamole
Veggie skillet Homemade giardinara peppers, green- yellow Breakfast
zucchini, grilled cactus, goat cheese, two eggs Chilaquiles* Adobados (spicy with salsa roja, sour cream
Dinner and honey) or Cordobesa style (with chipotle sauce, sour crème
Roasted vegetable taco With onions and cilantro and honey), or Mole (red or green), or green sauce, or red sauce
Oaxacan Style Vegetarian Tamal Roasted vegetables, *All served with choice of scrambled or sunny side up eggs
local mushrooms, mashed butternut squash, melted cheese Any style eggs with 2 ingredients Including spinach,
Green vegetable enchiladas creamy poblano salsa, lime mushrooms, onion, tomato, green pepper, jalapeños, American
cilantro corn, queso fresco cheese, panela cheese, or mozzarella cheese
Vegetarian queso fundido poblano rajas and melted Omelet with 3 ingredients Including spinach, mushrooms,
cheese onions, tomatoes, green pepper, jalapeños, American cheese,
panela cheese or mozzarella cheese
Alulu Brewery and Pub 2011 S Laflin St. French Toast Topping choices are strawberry banana,
Appetizers strawberry, banana, D’Nuez mix (kiwi, strawberry/fresa,
Vegetable Lumpia 2.0 With Shiitake, carrot, spinach, banana, mango) or plain
potato, chick pea, water chestnut, onion, garlic, house-made Pancakes Topping choices are strawberry banana,
hot sauce strawberry, banana, D’Nuez mix (kiwi, strawberry/fresa,
Baked Goat Brie Cherry jam, candied walnuts on crostini banana, mango) or plain
Crepes Filling includes choice of strawberry banana, banana
pecans, banana Nutella, strawberry pecans or D’Nuez mix
(kiwi, strawberry, banana, and mango), toppings include choice
of strawberry puree, Nutella, caramel, chocolate, cajeta or Lechera
Waffles Choice of Strawberry banana, banana, strawberry,
D’Nuez mix (kiwi, strawberry, banana, mango), plain.
Toppings include choice of strawberry puree, Nutella, caramel,
chocolate, cajeta, or Lechera
Lunch
Green, Red or Mole Enchiladas stuffed with cheese and
served with rice
Eggplant and portabella mushroom sandwich*
Veggie deli sandwich Mayonnaise, avocado, red onion,
tomato, spinach, artichoke hearts & lettuce
Veggie club sandwich Mayonnaise, sour cream, avocado,
red onion, tomato, spinach, mix greens, artichoke hearts &
lettuce
Veggie D’Nuez Club Mayonnaise, avocado, red onion,
tomato, spinach, mixed greens, lettuce & panela cheese
Veggie Panini Mayonnaise, sour cream, avocado, red onion,
tomato, spinach artichoke hearts & panela cheese
Veggie Portabella Panini Mayonnaise, sour cream,
avocado, caramel onions, tomato, spinach, portabella
mushrooms, panela cheese, jalapeño
Grilled cheese with fries
Dinner
Eggplant burger Chipotle mayonnaise, roasted bell pepper,
grilled eggplant, avocado, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese,
tomato, red onion*
Portabella mushroom burger Portabella mushroom,
roasted bell peppers, spinach, balsamic glaze, mayonnaise, red
onions, tomato and lettuce*
Panela Cheese Torta Lettuce, tomato, onion, mayonnaise,
avocado, panela cheese*
HOW TO CURB LOCAL BUSINESS DISPLACEMENT
Veteran businesses are disappearing in Pilsen,
making way for new ones. But why are so many of
them closing their doors? Some building owners
are being “taxed out,” or unable to keep up with
rising property taxes, forcing them to sell their
commercial properties. However, some business
owners are throwing in the towel because they
cannot keep up with rising rent costs. Business
owners who do not own the building out of which
they run their business could become susceptible
to the whims of the rental market. In Pilsen, a
whopping 80% of business owners do not own
the building out of which they operate, and the
landscape is changing fast as a result.
Just recently, Fogata Village, a Pilsen-based
restaurant that stood on Ashland just north of
18th Street, recently closed its doors after having
been in operation for over a decade. Due to a rent
hike outside of their reach, they were forced to
uproot and move to the North Side. While some
loyal patrons may just trek across the city chasing
after their popular dishes, others may find the new
location inconvenient. They will, in turn, be faced
with the challenge of rebuilding their client base.
Unfortunately, they are not alone and other local
businesses have suffered a similar fate.
So how much capital does a business owner need
to go from renter to commercial building owner?
Chipotle Black Bean Veggie Burger Chipotle
mayonnaise, tomato, red onion, avocado, cucumber, mixed
green lettuce, ranch, yellow cheddar cheese, lettuce and black
been burger
Garden D’Nuez Veggie Burger Mayonnaise, tomato,
lettuce, red onion, avocado, mixed green lettuce, mozzarella
cheese, ranch, garden burger and cucumber
*Accompanied by French fries, fruit or salad
Salads
Strawberry salad Spring mix, romaine lettuce, pecans,
dried cranberries, panela cheese, red onion, strawberries,
balsamic vinaigrette & ranch dressing
Sides
Carrots and Parsnips
Sweet potato
Hash brown and quinoa
Frida Room 1454 W 18th St.
Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch
Chilaquiles con Huevo Fried tortilla chips bathed in our
homemade chipotle salsa, topped with Mexican sour cream,
queso fresco and eggs any style
Breakfast Burrito Egg, cheese, pepper, tomato, onion and
ham wrapped in a flour tortilla. Served with house potatoes
or fries
Veggie Skillet Vegetarian Onions, peppers, tomatoes,
mushrooms and spinach. Skillets are served with 3 eggs and
choice of toast, pancakes or tortillas
Molletes Toast with our homemade refried beans, pico de
gallo and queso fresco
Molletes con Huevo Sunny side up eggs on a toast bread
with chipotle beans, pico de gallo and queso fresco
Huevos Rancheros Two delicious over easy eggs, on a
crispy tortilla with chipotle beans, queso fresco and sour cream
By Diana Hinojosa
According to David Dominguez from Realty of
Chicago —a Hispanic-owned company that came
to the Pilsen with the intention of representing the
best interests of the local Hispanic population—
commercial properties require a 20-25% down
payment of the total cost. Considering the fact that
the storefront buildings on Pilsen’s commercial strip
range from approximately $400,000 -$800,000, a
prospective buyer would need to come up with
$80,000-$200,000 for the down payment alone.
According to Dominguez, “The Pilsen area is a
hot, trendy market and a great place to be.” It is
worth considering, however, that supply is low and
demand is high, in many cases creating bidding
wars that drive up real estate prices.
The good news is that there are resources available
to local business owners that help them go from
renter to owner of a storefront property. The U.S.
Small Business Administration has developed
Pilsenquarterly
with a side
Veggie Burrito Egg, cheese, pepper, tomato, onion and
broccoli wrapped in a flower tortilla. Served with house
potatoes or fries
Cheese Enchiladas Verdes con Huevo Fried tortilla
bathed in our homemade tomatillo salsa, topped with Mexican
sour cream, queso fresco, onion and cilantro
Sandwiches
Eggplant and Cheese Sandwich
Cheese Enfrijoladas con Huevo Fried tortilla bathed in
our homemade beans, salsa, topped with Mexican sour cream,
queso fresco, onions and cilantro
Azul 18 1236 W 18th St.
Breakfast/Lunch
Healthy Egg White Omelet Open-faced with sautéed
spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, and feta cheese
Florentine Benedict Spinach, tomato, mushrooms, onions
and hollandaise sauce (served with feta cheese)
Vegetable Hash (Served with crispy potatoes, fresh fruit
or house salad)
Omelet Station Choose three ingredients (spinach,
mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, jalapeños, Swiss,
American, cheddar, feta, mozzarella, pepper jack) extra
ingredient 0.50 each (served with crispy potatoes, fresh fruit
or house salad
Carnitas Uruapan 1725 W 18th St.
Lunch
Tacos dorados de papa Fried potato-stuffed tacos
Salads
Ensalada de nopales Cactus salad seasoned with tomato,
onion, jalapeño, queso fresco and cilantro
many small business loan and assistance programs
to help small businesses.
Over the years, they have provided financial
assistance for new or existing businesses through
guaranteed loans. These loans could be applied
to the purchase of a commercial building. The
downside is that although the loan recipients could
reside in their commercial property, they would
not be able to serve as landlords in the property
purchased with the loan.
So what exactly makes a business owner a
contender for one of these loans? A good credit
score, collateral and a solid business plan make
an applicant a good candidate. However, if the
business owner does not have collateral, but does
have a solid business plan and a credit score over
700, he/she may still qualify for a loan.
The U.S. Small Business Administration partners
up with Score Chicago, a nonprofit organization
through which executive entrepreneurs mentor
small business owners or aspiring small business
owners. They share business insights gained
through many years of experience, provide
guidance, and assist with developing a solid
business plan. Mentoring sessions take place on a
one-on-one basis and are by appointment only.
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CRAFT BE E R TA ST IN G • A R T S & C R A F T S •  L IV E M U S I C • F O O D

OCTOBER 2018

Arts & Craft

BEER FESTIVAL

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