One minute it’s there, the next it’s not. In Lincoln Square, the number of new businesses seems to be entering at such a rapid pace that it’s easy to forget about those that came before.
According to Economic Outlook, nearly 90% of cities were less able to meet their financial needs in the fiscal year 2021 due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These struggles have persisted through the years and will continue for business owners in Lincoln Square, a neighborhood that directly benefits from its range of independent businesses.
Stella Kukadia, 51, has been the manager of Timeless Toys for the past seven years. She discussed how the pandemic impacted the toy store, which has been in operation for 30 years and heavily relies on in-person engagement.
“Our online business was never our top priority,” she said. “Our website was outdated, and our systems didn’t sync with the current times.”
However, compared to popular outlet stores like Target and Walmart, or online services like Amazon, a customer’s dollar contributes directly to the local businesses rather than a billion dollar industry. When shopping at stores like Timeless Toys, which has only one location in the world, customers are able to give back to their communities — and they know that.
“Our community supported us throughout the time we were closed, and even when we could only allow a certain number of people,” Kukadia said. “They were shopping here or online, picking up or having their items delivered. They are the reason we are still here; they wanted their toy store.”
Not all businesses were as lucky as the toy store in surviving the pandemic. Many residents remember the 40-year-old bakery that closed last April. Former workers and friends still feel the impact of its loss.
Cecile Durieux, 21, from Atlanta, Georgia, grew up in Lincoln Square. She has been working in Lincoln Square for over a year, including a stint at Cafe Selmarie, a contemporary American bakery that had been a staple in Chicago since 1983.
She recalls that Selmarie was always bustling, particularly known for its croissants. They had traditions like Swiss rolls every December and offered dairy-free options; it was a classic spot everyone knew.
When she learned it was closing in November of last year, she was shocked, but also curious about what new businesses might come to Lincoln Square.
“I think there’s always room to grow in communities. Lincoln Square is a neighborhood where residents are relatively affluent and predominantly white,” Durieux said. “I don’t think change needs to mean closing other businesses. If we bring in more businesses, they should focus on cultural and artistic offerings.”
Susan Takacs, owner of the Book Cellar for the past 20 years, is located right in front of what is now the Willow Cafe. Willow Cafe pays homage to Selmarie by featuring favorite recipes on the menu and employing former employees of the old cafe. Takacs was friends with the owners of Selmarie, Birgit Kobayashi and Jeanne Uzdawinis, the latter of whom passed away at age 63 from ovarian cancer on October 8, 2017.
“When you have a small business, it’s difficult to travel for an extended time,” she said. “When Jeanne passed away, it was just Birgit, and she needed time to visit family out of town and retire.”
From Takacs’s perspective on community and her business, she hopes her bookstore can provide a space for conversations about books and reading, especially when local and national authors come to discuss their work or during storytimes for kids — a true gathering place.
“We do a lot of donations, silent auctions, and we’re part of the chamber of commerce. We also participate in and sponsor music events during the summer.”
Independent businesses are an essential element to neighborhoods nationwide. Although the closure of these establishments is deeply felt by residents, the arrival of new businesses brings hope and revitalization to the community.
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