Mariano's and New Restaurants Earn Top Business Stories of 2012

While Lincoln Square Patch only arrived in late September, it's clear readers in town are itching for new about local businesses.

Between the approval of a Mariano's Fresh Market and new businesses like Gather and Monti's headed to Lincoln Square, this is a list of the most read business-related articles in 2012.

New Businesses: 

'Neighborly' Home Goods and Art Store Opens Saturday
Neighborly appeared one day on Montrose Avenue. The home goods and art store is an offshoot of Ork Posters, the neighborhood graphic posters created by Jenny Beorkrem. Beorkrem and her partner united businesses in Ravenswood by staying open late on Dec. 23. 

Quickly becoming a Lincoln Square favorite, owner David Breo opened Gather in December. The Lincoln Square resident paired up with chef Ken Carter—formerly of Charlie Trotter's—to create a fun wine and modern dining experience. 

Lincoln Square Couple to Open Game Store and Playing Space
Wanderers' Refuge came to the area with the idea of including everyone in the gaming culture. With game nights and family card competitions, the store has grown to a spot for the young and old. 

Pint Sized Brewery Lands Nearby
Spiteful Brewing is the product of three years of hard work and sacrifice for longtime friends Jason Klein, 30, and Brad Shaffer, 29. After meeting more than 15-years ago during a childhood hockey game, the Buffalo Grove natives are taking their friendship to the next level by opening a small business – 380-square-feet, to be exact. The brewery will have three or four beers they always plan to brew, like a double IPA and stout, while creating seasonal beers.

New and Vintage Home Accessory Store Opens in Lincoln Square
Owner Dana Weed stocks Homesoul with antique and estate store finds, both practical and decorative. When the store opened in October, black and white photographs and paintings line the walls, all from local artists.

Frill Boutique Opens in Lincoln Square
“A Claire’s boutique with a Tiffany’s feel,” is what store owners Afkara Mason and Maureen Longua were aiming for when opening Frill Boutique on Lincoln Avenue. The two have anything in the store to spruce up the everyday outfit. 

Monti’s Nabs Top Honors From Food Critic
Monti's Restaurant opened in March by a husband and wife couple wanting to spend more time as a family. Their Philly cheesesteak is catching the attention of food writers and sandwich connoisseurs citywide. 

Goings:

It's always sad when a local merchant has to close their doors, even sadder when the shop owner is a Lincoln Square resident. The Dressing Room was part of the community for eight years. 

Cold Stone Creamery also closed near Giddings Plaza, with just a simple 'Going out of Business' sign on its door one day. 

Looking forward to 2013: 

Due to open two years ago, the pizza and craft beer restaurant is set for a 2013 opening in Giddings Plaza.

 
Construction started on a new Mariano's at the corner of Lawrence and Ravenswood avenues. After an empty lot for 40 years, the grocery store is expecting a January 2014 opening.