Mount Prospect honors outstanding businesses
Mount Prospect’s Economic Development Commission honored village businesses at its annual business awards ceremony Thursday at the Old Orchard Country Club.
The event, held in conjunction with Mayor Paul Hoefert’s yearly State of the Village address recognizes companies and individuals demonstrating excellence in growth, innovation, sustainability and community impact.
The Enduring Business Award for businesses demonstrating longevity and community commitment went to Le Peep Breakfast & Lunch, 10 E. Northwest Highway.
Le Peep owner Mike Martin thanked the village for “20-plus awesome years,” saying he came to Mount Prospect at a time when he had a restaurant in Chicago.
“I was lured here because of community and family,” he said. “That’s why I got involved in the breakfast and lunch business. I’m married to a teacher, and working in bars and restaurants and nightclubs, which is what I was doing, was not conducive to a healthy family life.”
He said the restaurant wants every customer who comes to his door feel like part of the family.
The Budding Business Award, given to businesses under five years old that show innovation and potential, went to Khepri Kitchen + Coffee, 106 S. Emerson St. The cafe was praised for its thoughtful design, quality coffee and community gathering space.
“This is for our team,” said co-owner Tatum Drewes thanking her husband and co-owner Isaac Melton. “It’s for the individual that greets you at the door, for the barista that makes your coffee … our bakers that come early in the morning, the chef that stays late.”
She said Khepri was intended to be more than a restaurant.
“We wanted it to be a space for our neighbors to come together in a community gathering space, and I think we’ve created that.”
The Entrepreneurship Award, honoring businesses exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit, marked by boldness, creativity and innovative solutions, went to Karen Enzenbacher of Amethyst Skye Salon.
“I’m humbled, super proud to be here in Mount Prospect,” she said, adding she was born and raised in the village. She has been styling hair for 21 years, 14 as a business owner.
“We’re going to just continue to help Mount Prospect to grow,” she said.
The Rehabilitation Award, honoring a rehabilitation/renovation with attention to sustainable practices, went to R&A Construction for the rehabilitation of the multiunit residential property at 2072 W. Algonquin Road.
The award was accepted by Ridvan Alka, owner and president of the firm, which has rehabilitated hundreds of residential units throughout the village.
The Brown family earned Project of the Year honors for CoCo & Maple, the new restaurant that recently moved into the HQ Residences at 122 E. Northwest Highway.
“It’s been really awesome to be a part of Mount Prospect, where you feel the community really wanting us to try harder,” said co-owner Nate Brown, whose family also owns CoCo & Blu in Arlington Heights.
Co-owner Michael Brown, Nate’s father, said the restaurant will expand its menu next month and is excited about its outdoor space.