patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Vote for Lemont's Business of the Year

We received seven nominations for our inaugural Business of the Year honor. Now it's time to vote for a winner. Voting runs through Friday, Dec. 30, at 5 p.m.

 

Editor's Note: As of 5 p.m. Friday, the winner of the Business of the Year poll was Jimbo's Pizza. The poll was supposed to be shut down after that time but was inadvertently left open (causing a slew of last-minute votes for Turnabout). We regret any confusion and thank everyone for their participation.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We asked you for your nominations, and you came through. Now it’s time to vote for Lemont Patch’s Business of the Year.

We have seven nominees for this inaugural honor, all of whom were suggested by members of the community. Below, you’ll find our poll, where you can vote for the business you think is most deserving of the award. Voting will remain open through 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, with the winner announced the following week here on Patch.

Thanks very much for taking the time to vote. And now, your nominees for the Lemont Patch Business of the Year:

Chipain's

Business Type/Service: Grocery

Address: 1100 State St.

Description: Everyone who has lived in Lemont over the past two decades knows Chipain's. This unique grocery store was here long before other national chain grocery stores and is known for its personable employees and long-time customers. Chipain's managers say that its dedicated following is due not only to the fact that the grocery store offers some products customers can't find elsewhere, but also because the workers have a good one-on-one relationship with shoppers.

What You Said: "They do quite a bit for the community. They recycle plastic bags, the service is great and they are willing to help the customer get products needed ... They have donated to different organizations, and have a donation basket for the local food pantry there year-round."

Jeffrey LaMorte Salon and Day Spa

Business Type/Service: Hair salon and spa services

Address: 1243 State St.

Description: You will find no attitude at this high-style, but friendly-feeling  salon and spa. Leather chairs, dark-wood furnishings and deep-red accents create an elegant and relaxing setting. This is Jeffrey LaMorte's third salon and spa (Frankfort and Orland Park are other locations). Services offered include hair care, skin care and massage.

What You Said: "They are always so willing to donate items for fundraisers. They have even had several fundraisers for families in our community ... They have really embraced the community by being so generous with their time and services."

Jimbo's Pizza

Business Type/Service: Pizza

Address: 12267 Walker Road

Description: Jimbo's Pizza opened in 1998 and has been a local favorite ever since. It's famous for its "Lemontster," the largest pizza in town, but also offers sandwiches, appetizers and catering.

What You Said: "The pizza is delicious and the workers are friendly and helpful. This is the best food for the price! Lemont is better off because of Jimbo's"

"(Jimbo's is) always giving back to the community especially to the schools."

"They are awesome as they provide the best gluten-free pizza ever! There are not many choices in the area, but even if there were I would only eat Jimbo's ... They have a nomination for a deserving person to get a free pizza! What a great way to pay back helpful neighbors, help out a sick friend, etc."

Pawz and Klawz Pet Salon

Business Type/Service: Pet grooming

Address: 447 Talcott Ave.

Description: Pawz and Klawz is a full-service pet salon located at in downtown Lemont's Talcott Square. They also carry toys and clothing.

What You Said: "I found a stray and starving dog in Lemont, and brought it to many places that deal with animals to see if anyone recognized the dog. Not only did Ginger look the dog over for me, but she cleaned him up and continues to groom him for me free of cost because I saved him ... They get our pet owners and pets together online and meetings at the dog park. I think anyone with a pet in Lemont has been involved with this business in a positive way!"

Starbucks

Business Type/Service: Coffee

Address: 1251 State St.

Description: Located on State Street, Starbucks has drive-through service and outdoor patio seating. It offers a wide variety of drinks, specializing in espresso, coffee and tea. Starbucks also has baked goods, snacks, hot breakfast items, sandwiches and yogurt. It also has free Wi-Fi service available for customers.

What You Said: "Best service in town ... Services Lemonters day and eve."

Sweetwater Deli

Business Type/Service: Deli/Grocery

Address: 316 Canal St.

Description: Sweetwater Deli is a family-owned market and delicatessen that serves a broad selection of fresh, high quality products, including breads, produce, giardeniera, oils, sauces and more. Sweetwater is also stocked with an assortment of luncheon meats, soups and salads.

What You Said: "Best new business by far in Lemont ... It actually draws customers!"

Turnabout Pizza

Business Type/Service: Pizza

Address: 1000 Main St.

Description: A local favorite, Turnabout Pizza offers five sizes of delicious pizza plus some sandwiches. Turnabout is well known for its unique twisted crust—stop by and try some for yourself. The friendly staff will be happy to help you.

What You Said: "Their pizza is awesome—great flavor, friendly people ... It's been there for many, many years."

  • What was Lemont's best business of 2011?

    (Voting has been closed for this question)
    • Chipain's
        539 (2%)
    • Jeffrey LaMorte Salon
        11 (0%)
    • Jimbo's Pizza
        6897 (35%)
    • Pawz and Klawzs
        36 (0%)
    • Starbucks
        22 (0%)
    • Sweetwater Deli
        103 (0%)
    • Turnabout Pizza
        11897 (60%)
    Total votes: 19505
  • Your vote will only count once. This is not a scientific poll. View Results Vote!
Related Topics: Chipain's, Jeffrey LaMorte Salon, Jimbo's Pizza, Starbucks, Sweetwater Deli, Turnabout Pizza, and business of the year

Marie Markowski

4:18 pm on Monday, December 26, 2011

I'm originally from Chicago-can I vote twice? You have 2 of my very favorite places and I feel terrible having to choose one over the other!

Reply

Barbara Buschman

10:31 pm on Monday, December 26, 2011

Not only is Chipains customer service excellent, they help out all organizations all year long.

Reply

Don Mueggenborg

7:49 am on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Chipains is the only grocer in Lemont that regularly donates to the Lemont Open Pantries and has a place for t;he public to donate food to the pantries..

Reply

Greg Alan

11:28 am on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I've lived in Lemont 40+ years. Only recently have moved out...but I'd have to say, it would be between Chipain's and Turnabout Pizza. About the ONLY businesses listed, that have stayed open in Lemont, for ANY length of time!! Chipain's has always donated toward the community...and Turnabout, because they are a GREAT Family business, and have been successful for so many years!

Reply
Comment_arrow

Lemontster

7:49 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Such a shame they've changed the burger . . .

Comment_arrow

Lemontster

8:34 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Really 4 cheeseburgers to go for $40?

Ray

2:45 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I can't decide between Ordman's Park & Shop, Totura's, or Wally's Bakery.

Reply
Comment_arrow

Lee Ristow

7:57 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Mmmmm, Wally's Bakery. I really miss Wally and the girls.

Comment_arrow

Lemontster

7:58 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

How do you not include The Strand in your quandary?

Comment_arrow

Ann Paul

9:08 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Sure miss Totura's polish sausage!

Comment_arrow

Lemontster

9:48 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

re: Ann Paul . . . . Totura's Polish Sausage was a staple for Holiday meals!!

Comment_arrow

Ann Paul

9:58 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Ray! Did we forget Aldona's clothing and shoe stores? Remember Forzley's? Ben Franklin? Now I am really aging myself here.

Comment_arrow

Ray

10:03 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Wow! OK, then we also have to add Fritz's Restaurant, H&M Sporting Goods, The Clip Joint, and Feeb's!

Comment_arrow

Ann Paul

10:09 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

@Ray, good ones! How about Wend's and The Beaten Path and Ed James Chevrolet!

Comment_arrow

Ann Paul

10:12 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

@ Ray, I know this is way off topic of this article, but I am having too much darn fun here. How could I forget Dog 'n Suds?????

Lemontster

7:48 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Nick's is no longer the Nick's Lemont has known over the years! Much sadness!!

Reply

Lemont4Life

3:32 pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Sad to not see Tom's Place in the running. :(

Reply

Leave a comment