Builder/remodeler, jewelry store and restaurant among new establishments in village
Airoom's Jack Klein said his company did significant work to transform the space at 36 S. Washington St. from a florist into a two-floor design showroom. "It didn't look like this when we initially walked in," he said. "It was a little bit of a different vibe in here previously." (Jim Slonoff photo)
Several new businesses have opened their doors in Hinsdale in recent months, while others have experienced changes in name, ownership or location.
Airoom
Airoom, which celebrated its grand opening in September, is no stranger to Hinsdale. The Lincolnwood-based company, which has been in business since 1958, had an office here 20 years ago.
"We thought it was a great place to make our return to DuPage County and make it an easier and more convenient location for our clients that are located in the western suburbs," said Jack Klein, director of development in Hinsdale.
And their new design studio at 36 S. Washington St. is much more than an office, with two full kitchens, a wet bar, working bathrooms and a number products and fixtures on display.
"We've tried to take every square inch of this place and be able to show off different products and different manufacturers and suppliers," Klein said.
Airoom's architects, builders and remodelers can help clients with every phase of a remodeling or construction project, from bathrooms to whole house remodels to custom builds.
"We try to be a turnkey solution to everything within the remodeling, home addition space or custom home world," Klein said.
The team works closely with the family, from brainstorming ideas for a new or remodeled space to construction to financing. The company even offers warranties.
"You're always part of our Airoom family when we work together," Klein said.
He and his colleagues have enjoyed being part of downtown Hinsdale, and have already participated in the Kitchen Walk and Wine Walk.
"We haven't seen (any other town) come close to that downtown neighborhood feel," said Christa Reed, director of brand marketing. "We're super excited to be here."
Klein agreed and said the foot traffic has been great.
"We're looking forward to a lot of the upcoming events, too, with the Christmas Walk," he said. "It feels like every month there is a big event in town and we get to be a part of it."
Jocelyn D. Jewelry
Rafael Murillo's Jocelyn D. Jewelry opened at 14 Grant Square, the space formerly occupied by Caffray Jewelers, on May 1.
Murillo, who had been manufacturing jewelry in Chicago's Jeweler's Row since 2012, said he knew Caffray owner CJ Grad and was aware of her plans to retire.
"My lease was going to be up downtown, so I came in and volunteered on Saturdays for like four months. They were kind enough to let me observe them and try out the place," he said.
He decided the space would be a good fit for his business and made the move, closing his Chicago location earlier this month. His focus is on custom-designed jewelry, stone setting, engraving, and jewelry and watch repairs. He uses computer-aided design to create or replicate jewelry for customers. He pointed to a very old, detailed ring and the replica he made by designing it on the computer, making a wax prototype, creating a mold, making a raw metal casting and polishing it.
"We manufacture here in Hinsdale out of this little suite," he said. "We made it all work. It was kind of a Rubik's Cube to figure out how to do this."
The store, named after his wife, features one of her favorite shapes, a pinwheel, in its logo.
Murillo takes pride in his craftsmanship and his ability to use technology to better serve customers.
"It takes a lot of years to learn all this stuff," he said. "We really do appreciate the art of jewelry."
Que Miso
After a soft opening earlier this week, Que Miso plans to have a full opening Monday, Nov. 13, at 114 S. Washington St.
The restaurant initially will be open seven days a week for dinner, with plans to add lunch hours down the road.
"We're taking modern Mexican, mixing in ingredients that would be traditionally used in Japan," said Collin Ringelstetter, owner and partner of operations.
That translates into dishes like a traditional Japanese ahi tuna crispy rice served with avocado crema and mango pico de gallo and tostadas with seared tuna, chili aioli and mango pico de gallo.
"It's delicious," Ringelstetter said.
Drinks will feature the same fusion of flavors.
"We've kind of taken the staples of margaritas and ranch waters from Mexican cultures and lychee martinis and Japanese gin and whiskeys and brought them together in our cocktail program," he said.
Patrons will have the choice of more than 100 tequilas and a wine program that goes back to the 1960s.
He and beverage and wine director Andrew Spence, who worked together at Mata Ne New Asian in Elmhurst, are joined by partner Greg Mizen and chef Rhea Brown, formerly of Maya Del Sol in Oak Park and Devon Steak and Seafood in Oakbrook Terrace. They came to Hinsdale to bring more diversity to the downtown dining experience.
"We've got great neighbors in Vistro, but there are only really four or five restaurants that are open for dinner and there hasn't been a lot of change in the past 10 years," he said. "We wanted to give Hinsdaleans new options, something that was unique and interesting. The goal with this project was really to bring the vibe and the experience of the West Loop to the western suburbs.
"I'm excited for everyone to be able to finally come in and try it," he added.
Changing it up
• Images Med Spa will celebrate its move to an expanded location at 22 W. First St. - next door to its former site - from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16.
The two-story spa now offers 10 rooms instead of four.
"I think one of the things that our patients are really going to see is that design of Images and really representing our brand," marketing director Ali Tamashiro said, describing the interior as "Ralph Lauren meets med spa."
"It's just a stunning, beautiful med spa," she said.
The spa will maintain its same hours and services for now.
The grand opening party is open to the public and will feature food and displays from other Hinsdale establishments, including Nabuki, Caviar and Chevre, Hinsdale Flower Shop and The Fruit Store.
• Ryan Jansky, a former Hinsdale Wine Shop employee, took over ownership of the store at 12 E. Hinsdale Ave. from Sean Chaudhry at the end of August. His partners are Joe and Ashley Vittori of Downers Grove.
"It's great being back in Hinsdale and seeing regular customers that I haven't seen in the past 10 years since I've been in Downers Grove," Jansky said. "Their support is always amazing."
He worked at the Cellar Door in Downers Grove from 2014 until he bought that establishment from Chaudhry in 2021.
"Overall it's been a great two months, and I'm looking forward to the holiday season," he said.
• Circa Lighting at 28 E. First St. became Visual Comfort & Co. earlier this year when brother and sister team Andy and Gale Singer unified their brands, according to the company's website.
"The fact of the matter is that we have been one company operating under two names since 2014." said Gale Singer, founder, and president of Circa Lighting.
