GlenEllynite
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Ok everyone, here's the long skinny on Bells & Whistles! Thanks to the blogger who backed me up! E-mail me and you get to be one of the first 10 in on opening day and your first Ice Cream is on me!:~)
I have been an at home mom for 20 years. Opening this business is a completely new experience for me and in order to do Glen Ellyn justice, I felt I needed to understand my business and the property I was intending to occupy. There were many details to tend to in order to be able to be business for decades to come. The building hasn't been updated since the early 80's. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structural issues had to be included in the plan in order to avoid doing it again in 5 or 10 years. I will grow into the space.
The demolition turned up some unexpected twists which took a bit of time to work out. (No persons or entities held this up) We refinished original floors in Craigs after lifting upwards of 4 layers of flooring. We cleaned and sealed brick that had been covered under drywall. Some filthy with soot from a fire in the 80's. We took out a section of brick wall (received no trouble from village for this permit) We spent hours and days determining how best to accommodate handicapped guests. The 90 yr old floor had rotted and settled seriously in various areas and needed replacement, opening them we found a plumbing leak, and the grease trap had to come out. The basement was originally going to be storage, but it doesn't meet height code, so we went back to the drawing board to fit it into the main floor.
I have also commissioned my contractor to redesign the exterior on the Hillside Ave side of the building to return the windows, brick and door. 4 pieces of original glass panes were found in the demo. The village has been instrumental in making it easy to get through this permitting process.
I have been to various training to learn each facet of the business from every angle.
In addition, it was necessary to obtain a special use permit for the Family Entertainment Center. Fortunately, the village was a dream to work with on this portion of the project. As many of you know, that passed. Until it had, there was no way to begin the design phase.
I have been to 4 trade shows to find the food, ingredients, equipment and retail items needed for the Snackery.
I have recently submitted my preliminary plans to the health department and Village. We expect it to go smoothly as we have gone to each entity throughout the process for input. Both have been very cooperative and helpful. I am especially grateful to Stacy Hulesberg, Michele Stegall, Joe K at the village and Sarah at the DCHD.
I am as anxious to open as you are to see me open. While I have always wanted to do this type of thing, it is happening about 5 years earlier than I expected. With the vacancy of those spaces so convenient to my home, I felt I couldn't let them slip away. I am doing this project by myself with a local mom helping me with paperwork @6 hours per week. My contractor and architect keep things moving in a forward direction. I intend to do things right, not fast.
If all that isn't enough, before making the decision to take on this business, I made commitments to several organizations, including the Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare organization to allow my home to be on the house walk next Friday. As you can imagine, my house received little attention the last 6 months, therefore, I have been splitting my time between business and preparing my home to be worth seeing. In addition, I have recently sold a home in NV and had to assist tying up the details, have a Senior with College, year end and critical "social events" to assist with. I teach at church on Sundays, am VP of the Downtown Glen Ellyn Alliance, Chairperson of the Hadley 6th grade teacher appreciation committe that treats teachers to lunch once per month. All of these coming to a conclusion the first of June. By then we should have permits and be swinging hammers. All the while pulling together the hundreds of details necessary to bring BWS to life.
In the meantime, the Village has waived all permits and fees for local retailers during the Taste of Glen Ellyn. I am working with my suppliers to be able to sell my Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Donuts and Ice Cream. Come by and try some and feel free to give your input. It isn't too late to change.
I look forward to being a long term retailer and citizen of Glen Ellyn. I hope in the future many of you will call me friend.
Feel free to email me personally with questions @bwsnackery@gmail.com
Thanks for everyones interest, I hope I've helped you understand what has been going on.
I have heard over and over how hard it is to work with the Village, I know a different Village and experience than that. Anyone who has heard my timing has something to do with difficulty from the Village, should know that is absolutely not the case. I implore you to give your community leaders a new look.
As someone who lived in a community with little or no longevity/history. Where any building that reached 50 yrs old was blown up, neighbors only knew each other for a handful of years if at all. Prides themselves on a slimy slogan. Where children don't walk to school or to the candy store or movies. I could go on...I see the Village of Glen Ellyn as my Eden. I have a perspective on this community that isn't tinged by years of change and maybe disapointment. I feel very protective of Glen Ellyn and the depth of her roots. I enjoy hearing friends discuss growing up here, love getting envelopes of photos and info from familes who lived in my house 40+ years ago. Get a kick out of hearing stories of the Good Ole Days of Glen Ellyn. You have a jewel right outside your doors, it just needs a bit of shining. I hope to be part of the team that does that from a variety of directions. I hope to work side by side with many of you to make a difference. Anything is possible and Glen Ellyn has a heart and soul that deserves our attention.
Happy Spring!
Tracey Kreiling
Bells & Whistles Snackery
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