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player ready...If you have ever driven through Kaneville, you could not miss Hill’s Country Store. Located in the heart of town at Harter Road and Main Street, it is the only purple building on the street. On April 27, owner Pat Hill celebrated “the Purple Store’s” eight-year anniversary and her family’s 20th year in town.
According to Hill, there has been a store in the building since 1892, but it got its purple makeover around 1983, when it was owned by the Nicely family. Beyond the purple paint, visitors feel like they have stepped back in time. The space is small but Hill’s Country Market carries just what you need. “We have everything except gas,” says Hill, who is also Kaneville’s Village President.
In addition to carrying convenience grocery items, candy and lottery tickets, Hill’s Country Store also serves hot coffee, breakfast burritos and breakfast pizzas each morning. Bakery items are new to the menu and are the creation of Hill’s daughter, Alexa who is the store’s manager.
If you are near Kaneville at lunchtime, be sure to pick up one of their homemade sandwiches and eat at the picnic tables alongside the store. On Tuesdays and Fridays, Hill can be found working the grill between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. “I am out there rain or shine,” says Hill. Her rotating menu includes brats, burgers, steaks, pork chops or chicken.
One night each month in the summer, Hill’s Country Store hosts a movie night that they show on the side of the building. Local companies offer free pizza and popcorn and Hill’s slushees and ice cream are just $1. Hill estimates 50 to 100 people attend during June, July and August.
Hill, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, is a longtime supporter and volunteer for Walter and Connie Payton’s Foundation Sweetness Run. This year, they are running for Team Pat on June 6 in Yorkville. Supporters can pick up forms at the store or register online.
Woman’s boutique offers personal touch
A new women’s clothing boutique opened in downtown Geneva last week. Evernia, located at 219 W. State Street, officially opened on April 30 and will have a Grand Opening celebration on May 14. “We had a warm, welcoming reception from everyone that came in,” says co-owner, Nancy Thompson who opened Evernia along with her husband, Mark.
Evernia carries a unique array of women’s fashion, accessories and jewelry. Brenda Johns, formerly of Sandra Webster, is the store’s manager and director of fashion. “Brenda does a great job choosing different items so you always find something new when you come in,” says Thompson.
The attentive staff at Evernia gives their guests the personalized shopping experience that they would not find at large department store. They specialize in helping people choose items that are both flattering and comfortable.
Customer service is Evernia’s foundation. “We want to meet people and create relationships with our customers,” says Thompson, who has been visiting family in the Geneva area for 20 years. Currently living in Peoria, the Thompsons want to give back to their newly adopted community. This year, Evernia will give 5% of its earnings to Mutual Ground.
Know of a business coming to or leaving the Fox Valley area? Contact Pam Molnar at [email protected].
Hill’s Country Store
Where: 2S133 Harter Road, Kaneville
Call: 630-557-2228
Hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Evernia
Where: 219 W. State Street, Geneva
Call: 630-457-5445
Website: evernia219.com
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Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m.
Closed Monday