In Crystal Lake, Businesses Open and Thrive.

Chef Auriene Ugalde has cooked and baked around the world. She was an apprentice at the top two restaurants in Spain and was voted one of the Best Chefs in America for three years in a row for her work in Reno, Nevada. Now, she owns a Parisian themed bakery in downtown Crystal Lake. Chef Ugalde says "I enjoy owning a business here because it has that supportive small town feel. Everyone is your neighbor and everyone is your friend in Crystal Lake. I couldn’t ask for a better situation when starting my business here."

If Chef Kellyann Kozel, owner and chef at Cheshire Cakes in Crystal Lake could give advice to someone looking to start their business in Crystal Lake, she would tell them "it’s a great place to start a business because everyone in the community is so welcoming. You get to know your business neighbors, they get to know you, and we all support each other."

Mike Shipley, owner of Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters, says that he is in the process of expanding the business by building a new headquarters, roasting facility and warehouse in the community. “We decided to locate and grow in Crystal Lake because it’s such an outstanding community,” Shipley said.

Stephanie Ormsby, owner of Wear Did U Get That, says “I love Crystal Lake. When I decided to open up a store, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. Crystal Lake has so much to offer.”

Brian Rosenburg, President of Technipaq, has been in Crystal Lake for 35 years. He says “As we expand, the City of Crystal Lake expands along with us which provides great opportunities. The City has always been supportive.”

“With the City to encourage us, we created an experience that draws people from all over the world,” says Pat McGinnis, co-owner of Quarry Cable Park & Grill, a 32-acre cable wake park with a lakefront tap, grill, fire pit, live music and outdoor games.

Established in 2019 and situated inside of a remodeled historic auto mechanic shop, Aroma Coffee & Wine is Crystal Lake’s premier location to cozy up with a handcrafted espresso beverage or to unwind over laughter and wine. “The community of Crystal Lake is so supportive of local businesses,” says owner Dawn Kincaid.

Ryan Clooney, owner of Crystal Lake Brewery says, “We named our business after Crystal Lake because the community stands for success. The city is pro-business. They advocate for me and want me to succeed.”

"The amount of effort that the city and downtown association puts into Crystal Lake is what keeps business thriving,” says owner Zak Dolezal. One of more than 100 locally owned businesses located downtown, Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen – an eco-friendly gastropub – offers upscale comfort food fresh from local farmers.

Upcycling wood into tables and other residential furniture, downtown Crystal Lake’s Reclaimed offers hand-crafted, custom, beautiful pieces. “We’re grateful for the community’s support. It’s the community and the great location that make us successful,” says owner Brent Hollenberg.

"What inspired us to open here was Crystal Lake's strong sense of community, the people and the diversity of businesses,” says Liz Bednarczyk, Owner/GM of Vine & Plate Wine Bar + Provisions, a globally inspired tapas restaurant serving wine from around the world.

“People are everything, says Randy Smith of General Kinematics, “and their education levels, background and work ethic are important. The workforce in Crystal Lake demonstrates all three on a daily basis. It’s a great place to be an employer.”

1776, a farm-to-table restaurant, is another example of a business embracing innovation. Featuring locally sourced, gluten-free and allergy-friendly dishes, 1776 makes fine dining accessible. “Crystal Lake is full of opportunity. It’s a great place to live, raise your family and run a business,” says owner Rhienna McClain.

Family-owned, Marvin’s Toy Store offers high-quality, educational, planet-friendly toys. “One of the reasons we opened here is because the City is supportive. They prioritize the downtown because it’s a major part of the character of the community,” says owner Lori McConville.