CHICAGO (WLS) — Small Business Saturday is a way to spotlight mom-and-pop stores on the day after Black Friday.
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs kicked off the day in uptown, and there were plenty of other small businesses welcoming customers in the snow.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
A Small Business Saturday event in Rogers Park began at Alexander’s Restaurant on Sheridan Road. t was the restaurant’s second day operating since opening during the busy Thanksgiving weekend.
“Definitely an honor to be in this community and be able to do what we love with the people we love, as a family-owned business,” Alexander’s Restaurant owner Erik Mizhquiri said.
The Rogers Park Business Alliance set up shop in front of the restaurant to encourage people to shop local.
“Simultaneously, we have the welcome station where we are giving free tote bags and with goodies from local businesses, and a list of specials that local businesses are offering today on Small Business Saturday,” said Carolina Juarez, Business District Manager at the Rogers Park Business Alliance.
SEE ALSO | Holiday shopping brings boost to Little Village small businesses impacted by immigration operations
“So from Clark Street to Sheridan, Howard Street to Devon, Morris, Jarvis, I have tons of small retail and small entrepreneurs,” 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden said. “So we push really hard to shop local. It’s what’s helped keep many businesses open during the pandemic, it’s really helped as we you know had so many problems with the ICE raids in our communities.”
Rogers Park Business Alliance Carolina Juarez joined ABC7 Chicago to talk about Small Business Saturday.
Over 30 businesses participated in the initiative.
The snow was not stopping people from showing up and supporting. It was money spent that Ald. Hadden says goes back to the local economy and keeps small businesses thriving.
SEE ALSO | Our Chicago: Supporting Small Businesses, Chicago Loves Local Campaign
“If you’re not necessarily big on shopping, a lot of business have gift cards, so maybe there’s not something in particular that you need, but this is a great time of year to help people, like, get ready for that, sometimes lull as we hit January and February,” Hadden said.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
