From sweets to eats, Libertyville businesses recognized for excellence
Every year, Libertyville recognizes businesses nominated by residents and others for their contributions to the community and economy.
For 2025, the third year of the program, 11 businesses in six categories were recognized and honored for excellence at a recognition breakfast last month.
From sweets to eats and innovative products and services, the honorees reflect a diverse business landscape, says Mayor Donna Johnson.
“Each honoree embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment that define Libertyville,” she said. Their work strengthens the economy and enriches the village’s character and vitality, she added.
Here’s a snapshot of the winners by category.
Lifetime Achievement
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 541 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Owners Pam and Tom Lockowitz opened the franchise downtown in 2002.
“What was supposed to be a hobby after my career in health care and Tom’s years at Abbott has become a labor of love,” Pam said.
Customers have become friends, employees have ranged from stay-at-home moms to 14-year-old first-time jobseekers, she added.
Sixty percent of the candies are produced at the company factory in Colorado. Made-in-store caramel apples, fudge and dipped strawberries are favorites, and special orders like desert trays, custom gift baskets, gift towers also are available.
Notable new businesses
• About Time Bookstore, 528 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Owner Delanie Dochelli opened the independent bookstore to bring readers and writers together through books, author events and gatherings such book clubs, story time and even yoga.
“Bring your own book in, sit at the front and read, have a cup of coffee. That’s what our space is for,” Dochelli said.
• Libertyville Pediatric Dentistry, 1870 W. Winchester Road.
Bianca Hassoun's specialized practice features bright colors, games and other features to support care, comfort and confidence. The team partners with schools and organizations to promote oral health.
• Oxtail Market, 277 Peterson Road
Co-owner Theo Scholze says his goal is to provide the same premium quality meats and products he would serve his own family. Products are single-sourced, processed fresh, flash frozen and vacuum sealed at the Scholze family farm in Wisconsin.
Advancement
• Tala Coffee Roasters, 834 Liberty Drive
Owners Joanna Tong and Ryan Hickman opened a roasting operation called Tala in an industrial unit in 2017 and expanded with a cafe into an adjoining space in fall 2023. Each day, 200 pounds of coffee is roasted and distributed locally.
• EBS Ink-Jet Systems USA, 1840 Industrial Drive, Suite 200
The U.S. branch of a German company is best known for hand-held printers that can print on any surface, says proprietor Brandon Quaiyoom.
“There was a need here in the U.S. that nobody else had on the market,” he said.
Community Impact
• Anam Cara Cafe, 338 Peterson Road
Cara means old friend in Gaelic, says Carynn Olsen, who said she always has been in the hospitality business and decided the next time it would be at her own place. The family-owned cafe serves fresh dishes, specialty coffee and is a gathering spot for organizations and nonprofits.
• Perfect Brewing Supply, 619 E. Park Ave.
Owner Andy Denton calls his niche business of 15 years a grocery and hardware store for people who want to ferment, including home brewers, winemakers and DIY enthusiasts. Hands-on classes and events create a community hub at what Denton dubbed a “modern day barbershop.”
• School of Rock Libertyville, 225 E. Park Ave.
Performance-based learning builds confident musicians that gets students on stage and into the community. It is a creative home for students to grow talent, teamwork and pride while supporting local causes and events.
Economic Impact
• Liberty Automotive, 1000 E. Park Ave.
President Joe Massarelli says his dad bought what was then a Buick dealership in 1965. The business, through multiple expansions, has evolved to 160 employees and five vehicle brands on the same spot, with a focus on customer care and convenience. The environmentally conscious dealership has solar panels on the roof and may be the only one around with operating bee hives that produced 160 gallons of honey this year.
Development Excellence
• Studio 104, 104 Fourth St.
In business 14 years, including two at its current location, the spa and boutique salon blends professional hair, nail and skin care in a warm, modern atmosphere. Studio 104 transformed a once vacant historic home into a welcoming space on a main village gateway on Route 176.