 Abe’s Southside Café (two fresh dining options on South Sixth). Casa Real is a new player on the north end. Twist n Swirlz brought yogurt to the west side, American Harvest Eatery (where every meal has “local” written all over it) and Bows & Britches, a family friendly resale shop. And who can keep up with Head West, with two new locations this year? Nowhere is busier than the MacArthur corridor: PJP Auto is back and bigger than ever. The Paper Boutique (a haven for crafty folks) who scored the best real estate in town has new neighbors in Porter’s Premier Cleaners, La Loma Mexican Restaurant, T4 Nail Salon and Fezzywigs. Later this week the Supreme Buffet will open its doors at Town and Country Shopping Center. High fives to all the independent-minded folks with the courage and vision to step into these crazy economic times with the confidence to start a new business. Congratulations to these and every independent business owner – ever the optimists who open their doors each day hoping you’ll be stopping by any minute now. Sharon Whalen, publisher of Illinois Times, is a board member of Capital Area Independent Business Alliance. See also
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