New businesses coming to downtown Wheaton

As the city council starts discussions about how to continue improving downtown Wheaton with the implementation of a 20-year strategic plan, new businesses are continuing to open in town.

On May 31, Moore Toys & Gadgets opened its doors at 107 E. Front St. Shoppers can find interactive toys, games and gift items at the store, which is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

"(The owner) has a wonderful collection of educational oriented toys and gadgets," said Downtown Wheaton Association Executive Director Paula Barrington. "It's a very hands-on store. I think it really appeals to multiple age groups, across the generations."

Later this month, NEXT Yoga and Armand's Pizzeria are both set to open at 120 E. Liberty St., Barrington said.

Back on the north side of the train tracks, a Subway is scheduled to open in July at 105 E. Front St. Just down the street, at 125 W. Front St., a silk flower and interior accessories shop called P.S. Flowers is set to open in early August. Barrington said the owner is relocating her shop from downtown Glen Ellyn.

In addition, two beer-centric businesses have plans to set up shop in downtown Wheaton. They include Dry City Brew Works at 120 N. Main St. and Geneva Ale House at 108 N. Hale St.

Barrington said the owners of Dry City Brew Works are doing an interior build-out at the building, which they hope to open in early August. No food will be served, but four or five beers will be on tap at a time. Guests will be limited to three samples and can buy bombers or growlers to enjoy at home.

The owners of Geneva Ale House recently signed a lease on a building at 108 N. Hale, which Barrington said had long been vacant.

"The momentum has picked up and it's staying steady," Barrington said of new businesses coming to the downtown area.

In addition, this month, Tasting DeVine at 127 W. Front St. is celebrating its 15th anniversary in downtown Wheaton. But the owner of another long-standing shop, Tate's Ice Cream, has confirmed he is in the process of selling the business.