Facing challenges often is an ongoing part of being a business owner.
But for Linda Klapsis, who has owned and operated Little Creperie at 102 S. Prospect Ave. for a little more than eight years, her biggest challenge now is very different.
Klapsis will soon be moving her business to nearby 95 Park Avenue, a change being made to accommodate the expected opening of Sparrow Coffee into the existing Little Creperie space and the adjacent storefronts at 100 Park Avenue, previously occupied for about 24 years by Starbucks, which closed almost a year ago; and by State Farm Insurance, which as moved to a different location.
“I wish I could say Little Crêperie is moving because of a much larger location and that it was completely my choice,” Klapsis said. “However, Sparrow, the new coffee house is wanting the whole building where I am currently. They would like to take the whole three-tier building and are building two floors and extending all the way to the property line on both sides and up to where my patio for guests is currently.”
Klapsis said she approached the owners of Sparrow about staying where she is, thinking that her store would fit very well next to a coffee shop and offer a “win-win” for both businesses; however, they told her they were not interested.
Jake Matthew, one of the Sparrow owners, said the lack of interest has nothing to do with having any issues with Klapsis or her business.
“The concept we have requires a lot of space, both inside and outside,” he said. “This is no reflection on her at all. We like her a lot.”
Klapsis said she asked her current landlord for an extension on her lease, which has 2 1/2 years remaining, but was denied that request and felt the landlord really wanted her to leave at this time to aid in the development of Sparrow’s space.
The landlord, according to Village Manager Zach Creer, is Lee Wisch, who did not respond to multiple email requests for comment.
“Since the community and our patrons do not want to see Little Crêperie leave Clarendon Hills, I decided to take on the challenges of moving across the street to 95 Park Avenue,” she said.
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“My heart is here now. The downtown area here is like the quaint town I grew up in Park Ridge. Here in Clarendon Hills, it’s a friendly family, friendly give-back community that has so much to offer. It’s this that keeps my heart motivated, as well as the complimentary comments we receive daily, regarding our staff and the love of my product.”
Klapsis has now been focusing her efforts on getting her new space ready for move-in, which she hopes will be by the middle of May. Matthew said he had no idea when Sparrow would be opening, but that there’s “no way” it would be by, or in, May.
Klapsis said she has worked diligently with an architect and designer to build partitions, and an ADA washroom, workstations, and seating areas to get the most out of her space.
“I will create the space at the new Little Crêperie space to be as similar to what I have, to keep the same aesthetic,” she said. “There’s lots of construction. We have our hands full.”
She said village staff has been helpful, especially Community Development Director Ed Cage.
Creer said the Village Board approved $62,500 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Klapsis to help assist with the move and get her new space up to code for her business use, which includes ADA requirements, some fire code updates, and some utility work.
“She is expected to spend somewhere around $130,000 to outfit the space,” Creer said, This ($62,500) is on the higher end of percentage of funding; however it has a double benefit of freeing up space for Sparrow Coffee which is expected to have a high sales per square foot and adding more restaurant space. which pays the highest level of sales and food taxes to the village.”
As for her plans for her business, once it opens in its new location, Klapsis said there will be some differences.
“We will possibly be adding charcuterie boards, trio crepe boards, organic fruit bowls, homemade Greek yogurt and wine options,” she said. “We will, of course, consider ourself a specialty crepe cafe.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.