Roberto & Erika Avila, Owners

Altiro was born from a simple but powerful idea: to bring people together around a table filled with vibrant Latin flavors, shared plates, and genuine connection. “Altiro” means “on top of it” in Spanish, capturing both the lively spirit of our kitchen and the warmth of our hospitality.

Chef Roberto Avila’s Latin fusion dishes, crafted with fresh ingredients and global flavors, show our belief that food is love made visible. His wife, Erika Villanueva, extends that vision through her interior design, blending warm textures and modern Latin accents so every Altiro space matches the experience on the plate. Together, they create a seamless atmosphere where food, space, and community come alive.

When guests walk through our doors instead of a big chain, you’re not just buying a meal, you’re investing in our dream and in the community we all share. Your support helps us keep jobs in our neighborhood, partner with local vendors, and host events that bring people together.

For us, it’s a reminder that Altiro isn’t just a business; it’s our family’s passion. We pour our hearts into every dish, every design detail, every festival. When you choose local, you’re helping us keep those traditions alive and build a place where neighbors feel like family.

Ray Carlini, Owner

I grew up with toys and was, as some would say, a “‘Toys R Us’ kid.” When “Star Wars” came out in 1977, I remember my father purchasing one of the original 12 figures at the Venture department store — from there my love of collecting took off. My famous line to my parents and grandparents was “Let’s go look!”

Trips to “look” always ended in purchasing one or two action figures.

These days, children and parents don’t have that option, so my son and I wanted to create a venue where everyone can find items easier than hunting at big brand stores. We want to bring back the experience I had with my parents and grandparents — the best part is when children come in saying “This is the best store ever!”

There’s no better feeling than when children come in with their parents to purchase action figures, comics, sporting, or TCG cards. One of our favorite stories was when a family of three generations came into the store: the grandfather not only bought an item for his grandson, but also his grown son who asked for a toy!

Thank you to all the families and smiles we have in the store; the community has been incredibly supportive and kind and we are looking forward to many more years of welcoming multi-generational customers.

Ric Gruber, CEO Billy Bricks Restaurant Group; Rebecca Garcia-Gruber, Catering & Partnership Manager; Sam Skuja, Brand & Marketing

Billy Bricks was founded on a simple but powerful idea: that wood-fired pizza should be crafted with care, served with warmth, and enjoyed in a space where people feel at home. Our “why” has always been about community. Pizza is inherently about sharing — whether it’s a family dinner, a first date, or a graduation celebration, we get to play a part in some of life’s best moments. That’s a privilege and it fuels us every day.

When someone chooses Billy Bricks over a chain or national brand, they’re not just buying a pizza — they’re investing in a neighborhood. They’re supporting the jobs of our team members who live here, the partnerships we’ve built with other local vendors, and the dream that started on a family vacation 22 years ago.

For us, “shop local” isn’t just a slogan. It means that your dollars stay in Wheaton. They help us hire more team members, support community events, improve our spaces, and keep raising the bar on the hospitality we deliver. On a personal level, it means that families like ours — and like yours — can keep doing what we love in the place we call home (or second home).

The truth is, we know people have a lot of choices when it comes to dining. So when you choose Billy Bricks, it’s never taken for granted. Thank you for keeping your support local — and for letting us keep serving up wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and ice cream with heart. You’re choosing to support a business built on passion, family, and community. And that means everything to us.

Jill Card, Founder

Isn’t it wild how dreams sneak up on you when you’re simply paying attention? Sometimes, the path you’re meant to take isn’t the one you planned — it’s the one that keeps tugging at your heart until you finally say, “Okay, let’s do this!”

Owning a women’s boutique? Never on my vision board. But finding a pair of jeans that actually fit? Now that became a mission! I was determined to discover a store where someone would genuinely help me conquer the denim dilemma. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t easy.

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one struggling. Back in the early 2000s, big box stores felt cold and impersonal, and small boutiques? Intimidating. And don’t even get me started on the lack of customer service. That’s when the lightbulb moment happened: What if I created the kind of store my friends and I actually wanted to shop in? A place that felt warm, welcoming, and — most importantly — helpful.

So, on March 3, 2009, Jeans and a Cute Top Shop opened its doors in Downtown Wheaton. And wow — the response was beyond anything I imagined. Fast forward 16 years, and we’re still here, still styling, and still smiling. We’ve weathered economic storms, construction chaos, and even a pandemic. Through it all, our amazing community has had our back, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Our mission hasn’t changed: We’re all about fun, friendly vibes, affordable fashion, and helping women of all ages feel fabulous. Because let’s be real — jeans and a cute top will always be a winning combo.

Jerry Evans, Founder

Jerry Evans is a husband, father, teacher, and the founder of the Jerry Evans School of Music.

Growing up the son of teachers, his parents instilled in Jerry a love for music and an entrepreneurial spirit that led him to start his own newspaper route when he was only 11 years old — and that would later lead him to start a business and become a job creator. His parents taught Jerry and his four siblings the Midwestern values of hard work and the importance of helping those around you.

Jerry first moved to the Chicago area to attend Wheaton College in 2002, where he received a degree in music. After graduating, Jerry eventually founded the Jerry Evans School of Music in 2014 and became a commercial property owner in 2015. An educator for 23 years, he cares greatly about serving our community and investing in the next generation. Jerry believes that leadership starts with service, honesty, integrity, and is fueled by compassion — and he strives to apply that in how he leads.

In addition to serving actively in his local church, Jerry has spent considerable time mentoring young adults, training missionaries, and has made multiple mission trips to India, Mexico, and South Africa.

The Jerry Evans School of Music is designed around the focus of impacting the community, changing the lives of its students, bringing families together, and creating a musical culture. It offers individual music lessons on any instrument, any style of music, and even offers programs like Rock Band Academy, Small Classical Ensembles, and offers fun performances throughout the year.

Lori and Erin Mesa, Owners

At Lori Mesa Antiques & Fine Jewelry, previously known as The Old Jewelry Shop, we take immense pride in being a family-owned business that has been part of the Chicagoland community since 1930.

Our caring and knowledgeable team, which includes a graduate gemologist, is dedicated to ensuring that every item we offer is authentic and of the highest quality. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, a special piece to add to your collection, or simply wish to immerse yourself in the rich art and history these stunning items represent, we invite you to reach out and explore our unique collection. Your journey into the world of antique and estate jewelry is important to us, and we’re honored to be a part of it.

Choosing to shop local goes far beyond a simple purchase; it is a heartfelt commitment to preserving a rich legacy of craftsmanship and the values that bind our community together. This choice reflects a deep appreciation for the decades of dedication that our family has invested in finding and preserving beautiful pieces, as well as building meaningful relationships.

When you choose to buy locally, you're not just making a purchase; you’re investing in your neighborhood. The money you spend in our local shops stays within the community, nurturing local growth and helping to maintain the rich cultural identity that we all cherish.

Shopping local means fostering lasting connections. We aspire to be more than just sellers; we strive to be trusted advisors, helping you celebrate life’s milestones with one-of-a-kind pieces that intertwine our family’s legacy with your personal story. Together, we can create memories that resonate for generations to come.

Vanja Krstic, Founder

After nearly 30 years in the corporate world, Vanja Krstic — founder of Lux Body Space — knew firsthand how hard it could be to stay consistent with fitness and self-care. Despite her best efforts, the demands of a busy schedule often pushed wellness to the back burner. Realizing that so many others faced the same challenge, Vanja made a life-changing decision: She left the corporate grind behind to create something truly meaningful.

Lux Body Space was born from her desire to help people feel empowered, strong, and confident — without sacrificing hours of their day. She brought a world-class fitness and recovery model, trusted by wellness leaders and celebrities across Europe, right here to her own community. From innovative treatments like infrared therapy and EMS body sculpting to Vacutherm cardio workouts, infrared body roller muscle conditioning and recovery, every offering is designed to help people look and feel their best with maximum efficiency and care.

When people choose to shop local — especially in a town like Wheaton — it means the world. It means they believe in the dream behind the business. For Vanja, it’s more than fitness; it’s personal. Supporting local means supporting women, working moms, career-changers, athletes and passionate people who are building something from the heart. That’s what Lux Body Space is all about. Thank you for being a part of it.

Srikrishan Dabral, Founder & Chef

Hi, I’m Srikrishan Dabral — the chef and founder of QCurrys Indian Kitchen.
I’ve been cooking professionally for over 40 years and hold a culinary degree in India. For the past 15 years, I’ve been proud to work in the restaurant business, bringing authentic Indian flavors to the table — not the commercialized versions, but the real food I grew up with.

QCurrys was born out of my deep love for traditional Indian cooking and my desire to share it with the community. Every dish we serve is made from scratch — no shortcuts, no packaged sauces — just real ingredients, hand-ground spices, and time-honored techniques. From our creamy butter chicken to our crispy samosas, everything is prepared with care and heart.

Since opening in Downtown Wheaton, I have felt truly welcomed. This community has shown us warmth, kindness, and support that remind me of home. To me, it’s more than just a location — it’s a family. Being part of such a vibrant and supportive neighborhood means everything.

Our menu is 80% gluten-free, and we offer a wide variety of vegan-friendly dishes. I believe everyone should be able to enjoy flavorful, comforting food regardless of dietary limitations.

QCurrys is more than just a restaurant. It is a reflection of my journey, my roots, and my passion. Whether you’re tasting Indian cuisine for the first time or looking for something that feels like home, I’d be honored to welcome you to our table.

Brett Joseph, Owner

My name is Brett Joseph, and I’m proud to continue the tradition my father, Don Joseph, started here at Wheaton Meat Company. This business isn’t just a job for me — it’s been part of my life since I was 15 years old, when I first started working alongside my dad, learning the craft and the care it takes to provide families with quality meats.

Today, I’m honored to carry on his legacy with a team that feels more like family than employees — many of them are my closest friends, including my childhood best friend. Over the years, I’ve also made it a point to grow close to the Wheaton community. Being a butcher here has made this town feel smaller in the best way possible — like home.

When people choose to shop local, they’re not just supporting a small business; they’re helping keep alive the friendships, traditions, and values that make Wheaton such a special place. Every purchase is a reminder that what my father built still matters — that our community cares about where their food comes from and who they’re supporting. Shopping local keeps small businesses like mine alive, but more than that, it keeps our community strong.