Established in 1980, A La Carte has been featured on the Food Network’s “The Best of – Gourmet Groceries.” It offers gourmet entrees, desserts, soups, salads and sandwiches for take-out, delivery or to eat in, says owner Christine DiClementi-Harlow, 57, of Wilmette. Its frozen foods can be found at local grocers, including Sunset Foods. Mariano’s, Lakeside Foods in Winnetka and Grand Food Centers in Glencoe and Winnetka. It also sells to Peapod.
Why did you decide to open your business in Highland Park?
I needed a larger kitchen. We had been in Wilmette 34 years and catered to the North Shore. We wanted to stay in the area.
Why did you pick this specific location/storefront?
This location offered the kitchen space.
What obstacles did you find when you started?
Making sure we had all the permits we needed to open.
If you could offer local officials one piece of advice to make their town more attractive to entrepreneurs, what would it be?
We need to put signage out on Old Deerfield Road so my customers can fund us easier.
What did you do right?
Since I came into a kitchen that was set up, the building inspection was very easy. I already had the health department letter, so I cannot really complain. They were very helpful to me and very pleasant to deal with.
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What advice would you give to someone else looking to open a business in Highland Park?
Check on visibility and locations that let you do proper signage.
What are your hours/address/phone number/website?
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays
1480 Old Deerfield Road, Nos. 1, 2 & 3, Highland Park
847-256-4402
alacarteinc.com