Elmhurst Says Good-bye to Bakery, Hello to Book Store, Welcome Home to Magic Shop

The closing of all Chicago-area Dominick's stores has dominated the news lately (we still don't know what's going into the Elmhurst Dominick's), but some lesser-known comings and goings in Elmhurst deserve attention, too. 

Tuesday, Dec. 31, is the last day to purchase baked goods at Gur Bakery at 162 N. York Road. In a Facebook note to customers on Dec. 23, owner and pastry chef Rubina Hafeez said: 

"We want to thank you for your past business and tell you how much we have enjoyed having you as a valued customer and a member of our community. Please don't hesitate to call us at the store if you have any questions or concerns. We also hope you'll stay in touch with us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/gursweets) and Facebook (www.Facebook.com/GurSweets) for news and announcements regarding our next chapter."

We look forward to Rubina's next chapter.

Pier 1 Imports has opened a brand new store at the Shops at Oak Brook Place, 2155 W. 22nd St., but the Elmhurst store, at Route 83 and St. Charles Road, will soon be closing. 

While those tax dollars will no longer remain in Elmhurst (and that corner is beginning to look quite desolate these days since Dominick's has left) Oak Brook shouldn't be too much of a trek for Elmhurst residents who love the store's eclectic, colorful selections from all over the world.

Bob James is back! The big corner shop at First and Addison was the home of Bob's Magic Shop in Elmhurst for many years. Bob decided to forego the overhead of the store back in 2010 and focus more on private parties. Silvia Miano took over the spot in fall 2011, opening Topiary Floral Designs, a European floral and gift shop. 

Sadly, Topiary went out of business this year, but fortunately for Elmhurst, it didn't take long for James  to re-claim the property. And he does have a "corner" on the market, so to speak. There are very few magic shops—especially that size—in the Chicago area. You'll find something for everyone at Bob's Magic Shop, even for the professional magician, and Bob will keep on entertaining the little ones with his private shows.

Here's a little gem that just opened on the south end of town: A Book Above children's book store is a comfy little enclave at 136 W. Vallette, right next door to Elijah's coffee shop.

Carolyn Carrillo opened the shop because she was having a hard time finding good books for her own children. From A Book Above's Facebook page: 

"I dreamed of a wonderful solution! A children's bookstore, one that has an inviting little reading nook filled with large pillows to lay on, and maybe a 'park bench' to sit at. The wall behind will have a great mural, with trees, blue sky, and fluffy clouds. The books on the shelves are filled with stories of heroes and legends, from today and long ago. Mysteries, stories and novels of all kinds. … All the books in THIS children's store help to light dreams. Dreams of baseball stars, and basketball stars, ballet dancers and artists. Writers, dreamers and inventors of all sorts of things. Architects, astronauts, scientists, and doctors. Each child has a dream, a talent, a passion that is all their own."

So, grab the kids, stop by Elijah's and grab a coffee or hot chocolate, and come and visit Carillo's dream come true. 

Also newly open in 2013 are Fulla Bologna on South York, Sweet Pea Doll Studio on West Third, Splatters Create and Party on North Addison, and The Snuggery on South York.

What other business news have you seen or heard of in town? Let us know in the comments.