It started as a “10 Years of Smiles” event to mark the tenth anniversary of Gilbert Orthodontics at The Shops on Elm Place in Highland Park. Then the owner, Dr. Josh Gilbert, decided it would be even more special to invite some of his neighboring businesses to join the celebration.
A dozen diverse businesses will provide activities and generous giveaways at a first End of Summer Party, 3-5:30 p.m. Aug 26 at 585 Elm Place.
“I took over the practice 10 years ago from a retiring doctor,” Gilbert said. “I wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate this milestone in our community that has embraced me, embraced my office.”
He noted that he and his staff are always focused on making patients feel comfortable “and generally cared for,” Gilbert said. “I love being part of the community.” Gilbert was born and raised in Highland Park and still lives there.
“We’re kind of the hosts of the event,” Gilbert noted. “I’m bringing in a DJ for dancing, a bounce house, face-painting.”
People will be invited to visit the Gilbert Orthodontics office, where they will receive free digital scans that will quickly show what their teeth look like now and what they can look like after orthodontic treatment.
They will also raffle off prizes, such as teeth-whitening.
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The BBQ Pit has been serving customer favorites for 48 years. The longest resident of The Shops on Elm Place is looking forward to treating customers to macaroni and cheese, pulled pork, and barbecued brisket sandwiches at the free End of Summer Party.
“My parents started the business back in 1978. My father passed away in ’88 as I was graduating from college. I had to help out with the family business, so we’ve been there ever since,” said owner Gus Karigan.
The business has been successful all these years because, “We are like the ‘Cheers’ of the neighborhood,” Karigan said. “We get a lot of repeat business. We’re family owned. We know everybody’s name. We have a nice rapport with all of our customers. We’re the only barbeque restaurant in the area.”
Karigan said that among the pluses of The Shops on Elm Place is that it’s the only retail center in the city that has a parking lot. “And we have a lot of variety of stores,” he added. “It’s a nice destination point for people.”
The Custom Framer has been in business for 30 years. Josh Gordon has owned it for six years.
“The quality of our frames, the quality of our printing, and the quality of our customer service” are what keep the business flourishing, Gordon said.
For the End of Summer Party, the Custom Framer will have a backdrop for people to snap selfies or photos. “We’re going to have some art specials,” Gordon reported. “We’ll have some activities for the kids, probably coloring.”
Gordon praised the event, saying, “It’s a good celebration of Dr. Gilbert and his 10 years in business. And I think it’s fun for the businesses to come together to help unite the community and have a fun celebration.”
Among the other gifts offered by businesses in the strip mall are temporary hair color spray from Joan Barry Hair Designers, celebrating 25 years in business, and sidewalk chalking from 40-year-old mall business Love’s Yogurt. My Sister’s Circus, which has been in the mall for 29 years, will host circus games and have a discounted shopping rack.
TREVI Longevity & Aesthetics Institute, 15 years in the mall, will give free B-12 shots, IV bags, and hydrating snacks.
Studio Lagree, a 12-year resident, will have group class giveaways, and Eye Magic by Michael Scott will encourage people to test their vision with the Magnificent Eye Chart Magnification Station, owned by Michael Scott for two years but in business for 38 years.
ABC Design Jewelers, a five-year tenant, will offer complimentary jewelry cleaning, ear piercing, and a children’s jewelry trunk show.
“I’m the baby of the mall,” declared owner Anat Borochov. “But I’ve been in the diamond business many, many years. I’ve been working downtown with my husband.”
What makes her business distinctive is that “Everything is being done in the store,” Borochov explained. “My jewelers are sitting in the front.” People get to see the work being done in front of them while they watch and have a snack. “Nothing leaves here,” Borochov noted.
She will also be hosting an Adult After-Party from 6-8 p.m.
“I thought it would be fun,” she said. “I wanted to support my neighbors. People can sit around. There’s going to be some music, some wine, some cheese. A chance for people to meet, to know each other.” It will be held at Gabby & Summer Classics, which has been in the mall for ten years.
“My biggest joy is seeing people happy,” Borochov declared.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.