Is a New Grocery Store Coming to Libertyville?

What would you like to see in the vacant spot once occupied by Frank's Nursery on the village's southern edge?

If you've driven past the empty tract of land where Frank's Nursery was located years ago and have seen the sign touting a grocery store on the site, you've probably been wondering just what will be built there. "The developer is planning a grocery store there, but there has not been any announcement yet," said Village Administrator Kevin Bowens. While there may not be anything to announce just yet, there is definitely some speculation. A recent story on Vernon Hills Patch about residents hoping for a Trader Joe's in their village prompted this comment from a reader: "They are going to open in Libertyville, it's all set, old Frank's Nursery location across from Lowe's," the reader speculated. So we want to know: What are you hoping to see …

•  10 Comments
• Photos (1)

Steinhafels CEO Discusses Furniture Industry, Vernon Hills Store

CEO Gary Steinhafel spoke at the GLMV Chamber's Fall Business Stampede on Nov. 9.

When Gary Steinhafel looks back at what has happened in the furniture industry over the years, the picture looks pretty grim. Steinhafel, who serves as the CEO of the three-generation Steinhafels Furniture company, started working in the furniture industry for Wickes Furniture in 1977. He then managed a Wickes store in Itasca before leaving the company to become a wholesale rep from 1981-91. Steinhafel has watched as many established furniture companies closed their doors. Wickes. John M. Smith. Wieboldt's. Plunkett. "Up and down the Fox Valley, there were furniture stores in every town. They're all gone," said Steinhafel. How has Steinhafels kept its doors open since 1934? "The ones that are strategic have survived," said Steinhafel. …

• Photos (4)

New Business Offers Bubble Tea, Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt

Yo Froot opened May 10 on Milwaukee Avenue in the heart of downtown.

Her business has been open for just five days, but already Jereline Hur is impressed with the welcoming Libertyville community. Hur and her husband, Steve, opened Yo Froot at 620 N. Milwaukee Ave., across from Casa Bonita, on May 10. “I'm so glad I'm here,” said Hur. “The people are so nice.” Yo Froot offers self-serve frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings. There also are Bubble Tea and bottles of water and soda. “I've been enjoying frozen yogurt and bubble tea for a long time,” said Hur. She and her husband, who live in Glenview, decided to open their own business and selected Libertyville because it's “lively and vibrant.” Yo Froot's frozen yogurt is a premium product that is certified by the National Yogurt Association. It has live …

• Photos (5)

Great Escape

Great Escape: Help the Schools and Your Sanity

Fundraisers for Libertyville-area schools offer a variety of mom escapes.

Though I love to cook, every mom needs to get out of the kitchen and take the family out for dinner once in a while. Two local establishments are offering fundraiser nights for Libertyville Elementary District 70. Visit Trattoria Pomigliano on Tuesdays and Mickey Finn’s on Wednesdays and the restaurants will contribute 15 percent of your bill to District 70 Family Associations. The donations will be distributed evenly between the district schools. The offer will continue until the end of the school year. Coupons can be printed from the District 70 website. The Libertyville High School Fine Arts Support Team is holding Ticket to Paradise, a special fundraising event. A $15 ticket gets you a reserved seat to the Saturday, Nov. 5, performance…

• Photos (1)