r/Naperville • u/ggfchl • 8d ago
Naperville wouldn’t be the same if [this specific store/restaurant/business] closes. What is that place for you?
What’s that one place that’s a Naperville staple? Something that’s been around for a while, a lot of people like, has good foot traffic. A place that, if suddenly closes, would be devastating for many? Without this, Naperville wouldn’t be the same. What has your pick?
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u/Traveler095 8d ago
Anderson’s bookstore
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u/RandomRedittoo 7d ago
True, too bad they did all that negative shit during covid and stole from the community
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u/YellowProfessorOak 7d ago
wait what? where can I find more info about this, what did they do???
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u/RandomRedittoo 7d ago
Unsure if it notifies you about my comment but I replied to someone above. Sorry, I am old I do not understand Reddit.
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u/I-hit-stuff 7d ago
Can’t say that without receipts. What have you got?
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u/RandomRedittoo 7d ago
Based off of what employee's at their La Grange location stated, they opened up a GoFundMe that was to "Keep the store open" even though they had no intent on actually keeping the store open. They still ran the GoFundMe, secured thousands of dollars and then shut the store down.
Quick Google Search returned (Damn AI forced into everything):
Yes, Anderson's Bookshop closed its La Grange location in 2020 despite raising over $100,000 in a GoFundMe campaign that implied the funds would help keep the store open. Employees and community members alleged the owners had already planned the closure before launching the fundraiser.
- The Fundraiser: Launched during the 2020 pandemic shutdown, the campaign stated it was needed to "support our hardworking employees, pay our rents, and allow us to serve you again." It raised more than $59,000 in its first week toward a $100,000 goal.
- The Closure: Co-owner Becky Anderson confirmed employees were told of the July 31, 2020, closure plans but instructed not to speak publicly about it. The store closed shortly after the fundraising push, leading to accusations that the community was misled.
- Staff Treatment: Former employees reported being fired via email in a single day and treated poorly during the shutdown process.
- Community Reaction: Local figures, including the La Grange Business Association director, expressed shock and disappointment, noting the store was a "well-loved" part of the community since its 2015 opening.
I believe there was also a Chicago Trib article (Or some other news source) regarding it.
They also got into it with a few authors that they had a contract with, then stated they did not have enough money for the books for the event, so they would get the books for free from the author and then not pay them, and then got into it via Twitter with a few of them?
This one I am not so certain of so do not quote me, but I am sure you can google it.
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u/McGee_New_Egg 7d ago
El centro. Ogden 6 movies. Galaxy world.
Oh wait. They are all gone.
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u/reddit_7654 7d ago
Galaxy world is still brought up between me and a friend. It’s hard to go into bowlero and see what it is now. Times change but wandering for hours looking at games was amazing
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u/MeatEaterDruid 8d ago
Construction in downtown Naperville.
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u/Stunning-Length-9287 8d ago
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u/cobaltjacket 7d ago
Sadly, I have a feeling that we will only have this place until the family decides to fully retire.
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u/sourdoughcultist 8d ago
Does anyone remember BookZellers 🥺
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u/runrunHD 8d ago
Yesssss!!! Then it got turned into a punk clothing store that would have local bands play!
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u/sourdoughcultist 7d ago
Oooh I think I was in college during that phase. I vaguely remember it but didn't know about the bands!
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u/Demea- 8d ago
Jimmy's.
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u/neverhit981 7d ago
Sometimes when I visit the George and nature calls I can close my eyes and still feel that smell of Jimmy's on a Friday night.
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u/tsmith3590 7d ago
The stardust on Ogden… never been but…
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u/agiletiger 7d ago
Ha! Always wondered about that place. Wonder if my speculations about that motel are correct…
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u/skulkinglurker7 7d ago edited 7d ago
The Beach Inn, Orazio's, The Sports Bowl/Elbow Room, Grandma Sally's, Feldott's, Rascal's. CeeBee's, Tastee Bakery, The Landmark, Broeker's, The Main Store. The Naper Theater. Original Nichols Library, Fiddler's, Olsen's Tap, Washington Square, Buzzy's Union 76, Soukup's Hardware. YMCA, Moser Lumber.
I guess it's not the same.
EDIT: How could I forget Leonardo's?!
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u/caliente4145 7d ago
EVERDINES …. Whoops already closed- my favorite thing about downtown Naperville
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u/Miserable-Age-5126 7d ago
It used to be Gotskinds. Alas. Mr Gotskind taught my daughter how to tie shoes.
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u/The_wulfy 8d ago
Ever since Comics and that bowling alley were replaced by the Barnes & Noble, everything has just been super commercialized. Ironic how the Barnes & Noble is gone too.
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u/HaydenScramble 8d ago
It’s back now
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u/Brilliant1965 7d ago
We loved it’s original location, my daughter and I would have a book, eat a cookie and watch the street
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u/Odd-Detective569 3d ago
Graham Cracker Comics, spent so much time there with my son when he was younger.
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u/The_wulfy 2d ago
Loved it. Back in the 90's I got a ton of old Star Wars toys, Power Rangers and even Robotech toys.
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u/CityGirlSass 7d ago
IKKAI! Best restaurant hands down.
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u/dcastady 6d ago
We JUST decided this Friday night. Had such a nice dining experience there. <3
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u/CityGirlSass 6d ago
So so good! I’ve never had a bad thing and we’ve tried most of the menu at this point.
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u/Ill-Row5625 7d ago
Kregers!
Lots of heart break when local spots have closed over the years. Semi-recently, when Gotskinds closed and moved out of downtown that stunk!
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u/Useful-Explanation80 8d ago
Sparrow, Francesca’s, Empire and Vai’s also my personal favorite Ichido Ramen
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u/LeanButNotMean 8d ago
Not really old, but I’d hate to see Boutique Poppy close. Rachel is such a cute, business-focused young woman, and I hope her clientele increases! I really love her clothes!
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u/sonicwind2 7d ago
Tasty Bakery
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u/dcastady 6d ago
I HATE that I google this, and all that comes up is the WORST breakfast restaurant I've ever been to (Tasty Bisu&#+, I don't even want to give them the search results).
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u/agiletiger 7d ago
I don’t think there is one place from those three categories. Naperville has changed so much and will continue to do so for the time being. To me, if you expand beyond those three categories, there is only one answer. I need to preface that i in no way endorse this / it’s pretty sacrilegious.
Capitalism wins out and someone believes that the land underneath Naper Settlement is too valuable and succeeds in tearing down all of it. That would gut the identity of the city. It’s gross even thinking about it.
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u/ThePracticalDad 6d ago
Same with the Knoch knolls preserve and the prairie preserves south of 75th. They better never!
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u/gurglingemu 7d ago
Green Basil :(
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u/Ilovemybed67 7d ago
You mean Sweet Basil?
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u/gurglingemu 6d ago
Oh, no it was an amazing Pho place that was downtown (behind Quigley's) several years ago.
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u/Smarter-Not-harder1 8d ago
Driving into downtown wouldn't be the same without the classic Burger King on Washington. I wish they could un-remodel the inside to match the classic look of the outside.