The Berwyn Shops are open for the 2025 season. This formerly vacant lot is filled with 12 colorful cottages, transformed into a retail incubator mini-mall and shop-local destination at 6931 Roosevelt Rd.
Twelve local vendors ranging from housewares, to clothing, to a juice bar are trying their hands at a brick-and-mortar enterprise.
Tanesha Watkins, owner of Tee Tee’s Sweets, has run a home-based business for more than a decade. This is a new step for her.
“It’s going to be challenging,” said Watkins. “I’m getting my feet wet in so many different ways: how to manage a shop; how to manage a staff; and how to manage myself in managing all of that.”
Each vendor submitted an application that was reviewed by a committee comprised of Roosevelt Road business owners, Berwyn residents and prospective shoppers. Once vendors were selected, not only do they have access to a cottage storefront, but also a support system, which includes a course of advising sessions and joint promotions and marketing.
Bright Void Coffee Roasters’ owner Dan Garcia is looking forward to expanding his business from pop-up locations.
“I’m the roaster, the owner, brewer, packager and everything.,” Garcia said. “It’s a great opportunity to network … being able to bounce ideas off each other. And it just gives small businesses that opportunity to take that next step in their entrepreneurial journey.”
For the grand opening, community leaders turned out to emphasize what a vibrant business community means to the area.
“It’s really important that we support our entrepreneurs,” said Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County board. “This gives retailers a chance to bring their products or their services to the public.”
This sentiment was echoed by Frank Aguilar, a county commissioner. “Look at these large corporations, it started somewhere as tiny as this. That means revenue, tax revenue; it means jobs. It’s important to support small businesses.”
“This validates their business concept and then gives them the opportunity to try it,” said Jamie Revell, president of the Berwyn Development Corporation. “And then, if they stay in business and graduate from that course, they have the opportunity for a grant at the end as well. It’s a really well-organized project.”
This season’s entrepreneurs are:
• Bizzy Mommy Club – blends style and functionality for modern moms with a line of chic, comfortable apparel and accessories.
• Bright Void Coffee Roasters – ethically sourced, single-origin coffee from small-scale farmers.
• Juice Joint – fresh, cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, and cleanses made from locally sourced ingredients.
• Kendi Amani – African-inspired fashion and home décor, featuring designs crafted with traditional techniques.
• The Monarch Paperie – culturally inspired wrapping paper and artisanal gifting designs that celebrates Black culture.
• Phiress Beauty – handmade self-care essentials designed to rejuvenate and nourish the skin. Rooted in holistic wellness.
• SC’s Cake Studio – custom cakes, cupcakes, and pastries infused with flavors inspired by the founder’s Mexican heritage
• Serendib House – a kitchen and garden shop offering a unique blend of stories, recipes, and handcrafted home goods inspired by nature.
• Superhero Huff – books and bold fashion to inspire transformation and help people embrace their inner strength, break barriers, and champion meaningful change.
• Tee Tee’s Sweets – handcrafted cakes, cookies, and cupcakes with a focus on quality ingredients and creative designs.
• Whatever Crafts – custom cups, tote bags, t-shirts with designs that range from cute and girly, to spooky and fun.
• The Wick and Wine Experience – hand-poured candles and interactive candle-making workshops that merges creativity, self-care, and community.
“This is going to be a good feeler for me to see if this is something that I want to do. After these eight months are up, do I want to move into my own store?” said Tanesha Watkins.
Get Shopping
berwynshops.com
6931 Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn
Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.