New businesses specialize in everything from custom clothing to custom charcuterie
Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere founder/owner Aaron Comes and manager Melissa Waters enjoy welcoming clients into their new space, where they can discuss wardrobe choices while enjoying a whiskey from Comes' private collection. (Jim Slonoff photo)
Hinsdale has welcomed several new businesses in recent months, which means it's time for another installment of our "Good Reasons" series. This is the second of a two-parter, with the first article running Sept. 26.
Sharp dressed man
Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere, which offers custom clothing and accessories for men, is open by appointment on the second floor of 33 E. First St.
Founder and owner Aaron Comes said the right wardrobe, custom-made using premium fabrics, can help an individual create a personal brand.
"This is highly specialized. It is very personal," he said. "It is just like building a house. When they are building a home, it's no different than building a wardrobe."
Getting to know the client is key, store manager Melissa Waters said.
"Our process is an important part of Frederick Lynn, and it's getting to know the customer and tailor that experience to them," she said. "It's going through and taking the time to listen to the client and what their needs are."
Comes, who spent seven years in Chicago working for the world's largest custom clothing manufacturer, started his own business out of his garage 14 years ago when his twin daughters were born. After owning a showroom in Chicago's River North neighborhood, for several years, he decided to move to Hinsdale. His new space features a kitchen and bar - with a curated collection of fine whiskeys - to make customers feel at home.
He said his space will continue to evolve as other clients move into the building, which he purchased in 2021.
Luxury clothing sends a message, Comes said, although it's a subtle one.
"The person with the right eye is going to pick up on those details," he said. "It's not flashy, it's fit. Fit is absolutely No. 1."
Pizza, pizza
Brasi's Pizzeria has had a great reception in town since opening at 34 E. Hinsdale Ave. in March.
"Hinsdale is a great town," owner Mariano Grana said.
The pizzeria sells salads, paninis, sandwiches and, of course, pizza, ranging from traditional cheese with a variety of topics to specialty pizzas like the spicy Sicilian, Hawaiian and capricciosa. So far the margherita pizza, made with plum tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil and tomatoes has been the most popular, Grana said.
Also popular has been the shop's frozen espresso drink, called a cremino.
"We're getting known around town for that," Grana said. "You'll see people walking around with our little cremino cups."
The eatery, which offers carry out, delivery and catering, also sells pizza by the slice and recently added hot dogs to its menu, both of which are popular with middle-schoolers looking for a late afternoon snack.
"They are the best because they go home and tell their parents, and the parents come in an order food," Grana said.
People looking for something sweet can grab a pint of frozen gelato from the freezer case or try the cannoli or tiramisu.
Brasi's also has a location in Lisle, which opened about three years ago. Although Grana said he wasn't looking specifically to open up shop in Hinsdale, he's happy to be here.
"We just saw the opportunity and kind of ran with it," he said.
Custom charcuterie
Hinsdale's Janice Gerges hopes to open Gone Grazy at 19 W. First St. later this month.
"I'm still hoping for an end of October opening," she said Monday. "We're close with permit approvals and such. I'm very, very excited to be open before the holidays. That has been my goal."
Gerges has been fashioning charcuterie boards since she started her business in 2021 during the pandemic "on a whim."
"It was a risk, right - global pandemic, this is food, how would it be received - but it took off," she said.
She plans to use the first-floor space in the building she and her husband have purchased for a variety of purposes. She will prepare boards for customers to pick up, sell gourmet food items and wine and offer space for people to drop by for a bite to eat. The store also will have a private dining room where people can host everything from board meetings to baby showers.
"That's really what's driving me with this brick and mortar location," she said. "There's such a need for this. Downtown Hinsdale is wonderful, and there are many wonderful food businesses and restaurants, but not many by way of small bites, light bites, grab a cheese and charcuterie board and a glass of wine."
A busy mom of two boys ages 10 and 7, Gerges also works as a digital marketing consultant for Mondelez International, parent company of Nabisco.
"Without the support of my family and friends and customers, I wouldn't be able to do what I do," she said. "I'm unbelievably grateful for all of the love and support."
Stepping up
With new ownership of the building at 19 W. First St. came a move upstairs for Sass-N-Class, which has been doing business in Hinsdale for 50 years.
Owner Mary Beth Copeland opened in her new space Sept. 5.
"I really like it," she said. "It's a smaller space but I think it's cozy."
The bright space is filled with natural light, and the store's merchandise is showcased on shelves lining the walls of the front and back rooms.
Customers who are unable to negotiate the stairs can take a seat just inside the entrance, where Copeland will assist them with whatever they need.
"Nothing has really changed," Copeland said. "I'm just upstairs."
Make it a double
Calle Cantina has opened Pour Destino, a speakeasy bar specializing in wine, whiskey and tequila with a selection of craft cocktails and some light tapas, in the back of its restaurant at 114 S. Washington St. Guests enter through the alley to reach the hidden retreat.
Patrons must be at least 21 years old. Reservations are accepted.
