Learning Express makes service, community a priority

Last week I told you how a Portillo's restaurant may be coming soon to the Randall Road corridor, somewhere between Elgin and Algonquin.

And I talked to Portillo's owner, Dick Portillo, who said he's scouting out four different locations for the newest restaurant.

However, I accidentally identified Dick as his brother, Frank, in the article. In fact, it is Dick with whom I spoke, and who is looking along the Randall Road corridor.

The person who tipped me off to Portillo's looking on Randall Road in Elgin was resident Frank Gambro. And unfortunately I mixed up the names of the Portillos.

I'm so sorry, Dick. We're still excited to see you soon on Randall Road for your hot dogs and chocolate cake.

Where learning is fun: When they see the name of the new Randall Road business, Learning Express, many people are wondering what they'll find inside - a teacher's store, a tutoring center or something else.

The answer is Learning Express is a new toy store in Algonquin that features more than 3,000 toys for babies through adults.

"We have games, puzzles, arts and crafts, we have toys that say they're for people (ages) three to 99. We have lots of things for families to do together," said Sarah Flanagan, who opened the store at the intersection of Randall and Algonquin Roads, next to Jewel, this month along with her husband John.

"It's a toy store, and we thought this was just an ideal location for this kind of business."

While Learning Express is a franchise, Sarah likens it more to a neighborhood toy store than one of the chain stores where you might do your usual toy shopping.

"First and foremost, our employees are knowledgeable about all of our products. They really take time to talk to the parents and find out what they're looking for and what would be best for them," Flanagan said. "Plus, many of our toys are toys you'll won't find at places like Target or Wal-Mart."

Learning Express carries many Melissa and Doug products, Calico Critters, Thomas the Train items and even Webkinz.

And many of the toys are available for parents to try out right there in the store.

The store also offers personalization. So if you can't find your child's name with the correct spelling on a certain item, Learning Express will add it on for you. They also offer free gift wrapping.

During the store's opening weekend, popular characters such as Elmo and Curious George showed up to greet the new customers as they checked out the giant selection of toys.

Flanagan said there will be other special events in the future at the store, so stay tuned for upcoming activities.

Something else the Flanagans plan to continue to do with their store is help support the community and the Make A Wish Foundation.

They donated 10 percent of their sales their opening weekend to Make A Wish, and plan to hold future events to support the group, she said.

"We're really trying to make this a community store," Sarah Flanagan said. "We wanted to give back somehow."

Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from South Elgin to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or at (847) 894-5036.