Snack shop feeds mom's entrepreneurial needs

When two of Tracey Kreiling's three daughters went to college, she was ready to enter the next phase of her life.

The Glen Ellyn mom said she wanted to do more than shop and go out to lunch.

"I figured it was time to feed my need to be an entrepreneur," she said.

Kreiling, with the help of her family, opened Bells & Whistles Snackery at 405 Main St., Glen Ellyn, a week ago.

The business mixes several concepts into one, creating a "a community gathering place with food and fun," she said. A barista bar with espresso-based drinks, a soda bar for fountain drinks, a play/game area for kids and a kitchen serving soups, chili, sandwiches and salads are highlights at the new business.

"It's a home away from home," she said.

It's a place where families or a group of moms can come for a meal and let the kids play in an area with pinball, basketball games or Packman. Cards, coloring tables and other activities are available.

"It's a place where kids can run around and have fun. This isn't a museum or a model home," she said.

The business owner wants people to feel comfortable.

"I've always planned parties and events," said Kreiling, 46.

The snackery side, which seats 50 people, serves an array of "home cooked" items. Popular selections so far have been the Plymouth Rock sandwich with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise, salt and pepper served on a "fluffy bun," and the Reuben. Bread bowls filled with soup or chili are other popular picks as well as scones, muffins and cookies.

All the products aren't the same.

"It's like going home from college and making a sandwich with what's in the fridge," Kreiling said.

Nearly as important as the food is the history of the building where she operates her business. The historic building in the downtown area was originally built in 1928 as a soda fountain and pharmacy. Known as the Rhom Building, it has operated as either a pharmacy or soda fountain since that time. Years ago a hot fudge machine was left on causing a fire in the building, she said.

The Kreiling family revamped the building before the opening.

"We took out every wire and pipe in here," Kreiling said.

Her husband, John, assisted in getting it going. John has owned Mechanical Products, a commercial heating and air conditioning company, for 14 years. The couple's daughters, Kelsey, 20, Lindsey, 18 and Annie, 12, also help out.

"We've taken to heart the history of the facility," said Kreiling, who lives about a block from the shop. Each table has a theme with old pictures.

To celebrate the holidays, each of the 12 windows is decorated with a Polar Express theme. When asked about opening a business in a suffering economy, Tracy said she is offering good prices and a quality product. Some games cost 50 cents to play while others are free.

"You would not believe there's a problem with the economy with the amount of people coming in here," she said. "We're averaging about 200 customers a day."

The business is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For more, check out bwsnackery.com.