Critter Cleaners, All Pet Pantry Open on State Street

, the pet grooming business formerly located in downtown Lemont, opened its doors at a new location on State Street on Monday, joining a new food and supply store.

Kim Walter, owner of Critter Cleaners, moved from her former location, 170 Lemont St., to the Chipain's shopping plaza, 1120 State St., with hopes of seeing better foot traffic. She shares the space with All Pet Pantry, a new feed store specializing in all-natural products.

"We're excited to finally move in and get our customers in here," Walter said. "Hopefully the new location, combined with the addition of the feed store, will be much better for business."

All Pet Pantry is owned by Lisle resident Tom Thorton, a longtime graphic designer and animal enthusiast who had been looking for a place to open a family-run pet store. 

He knew Walter through mutual friends, and heard late last year that she was interested in moving locations. 

"We were both at a point where we were looking to start fresh somewhere, so we ended up connecting and coming up with the idea of sharing a space and creating Lemont's one stop shop for pets," Thorton said.

However, those looking for popular pet food brands won't find them at All Pet Pantry, Thorton said. The shop carries a large supply of food, treats and grooming products, but everything is organic.

"I'm a believer in holistic animal products and the benefits they have for your pets," he said. "I've seen such a difference in my own pets—from their coats to their overall health—so I always encourage others to go organic as well."

The store offers products for dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, gerbils, hamsters and reptiles, Thorton said. Dental products, vitamins and leashes are available, in addition to food and grooming supplies.

All Pet Pantry will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.