Skokie Theatre Earns Spotlight as 2019 Business of the Year
At the October 7, 2019, Skokie Village Board Meeting, the Board recognized the Skokie Theatre as the 2019 Business of the Year award recipient and also recognized three runners-up, including Poochie’s, Chicago Jewish Funerals and Crafty Beaver Home Center. This award, presented by the Skokie Consumer Affairs Commission, recognizes Skokie businesses that go above and beyond their commitment to outstanding service to the customer, neighbors and the Skokie community.
Owned by Wendy Kaplan with MadKap Productions, the 140-seat Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Avenue, provides a wide variety of entertainment options to Skokie and the entire Chicagoland area. In response to a questionnaire from the Skokie Consumer Affairs Commission sent to all nominees regarding their nomination for Skokie Business of the Year, Kaplan wrote, “We bring 14,000 people into downtown Skokie each year with our entertainment. Since 2014, MadKap Productions has been the resident production and management company for the Skokie Theatre. We are dedicated to being the premier destination for live entertainment for both city and suburban residents.” MadKap Productions not only books Chicagoland’s top singers, musicians, dancers and comedians, it also produces a four-play subscription series and offers many special events including the Skokie Idol competition and the Short Play Festival.
In response to the same questionnaire, Poochie’s owners wrote, “We always have our hearts and souls in our business.” Poochie’s, 3602 Dempster Street, has served Skokie for more than 50 years. While Poochie’s has many loyal Skokie customers, their acclaimed hot dogs, cheddar burgers and other menu delights draw diners from all over the Chicagoland area.
Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Boulevard, provides immediate assistance with the loss of a loved one as well as help throughout the funeral process. One nominator for Chicago Jewish Funerals said, “They are a very polite and caring business when dealing with a difficult time… the building’s two chapels are covered nearly floor to ceiling with windows casting light throughout the space and offer grieving families life-affirming, healing energy.”
Crafty Beaver Home Center, 4810 Oakton Street, was established in 1934 and is celebrating its 85th Anniversary throughout October 2019. When asked why customers nominated the business for the award, Crafty Beaver management responded, “We are a family business, dedicated, honest and ethical. We strive every day to improve our business, our community and our neighborhoods.”
Each year, the Skokie Consumer Affairs Commission receives hundreds of nominations for the Business of the Year award, with ballots available online, at Skokie Village Hall, at the Skokie Festival of Cultures and on the Village’s Shop Local Skokie Facebook page. After reviewing all entries and issuing questionnaires to nominated businesses, the commission members select a winner and three runners-up. Numerous honorable mentions also are given to nominated businesses each year. For more information, visit www.skokie.org or Shop Local Skokie on Facebook.
Congratulations to the Skokie Theatre, Poochie’s, Chicago Jewish Funerals and Crafty Beaver Home Centers and all other 2019 Business of the Year award nominees!