Tapping into Long Grove’s downtown growth, 2 new stores open in historic district

Two storefronts recently opened in downtown Long Grove, fueling optimism about the future of the village’s historic downtown.

Artistic Creations of Long Grove at 405 Robert Parker Coffin Road, a shop showcasing handmade and artisan goods, and The Olive Tap at 302 Old McHenry Road, an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting emporium, held a dual grand opening Sunday.

Both businesses have opened in the village's downtown corridor, drawing community support and renewed optimism about the area’s future.

A new chapter for an empty storefront

Ellen Glassman spent nearly 40 years as a senior consultant and project manager at Allstate before opening Artistic Creations.

She said the space landed on her radar when she came to the area to do Pilates in the morning.

“I would look at the store and it called my name,” she said.

She also was searching for purpose following the death of her husband, Marty.

The shop carries photographs, jewelry, ceramics, blown glass, candles, wall art and wind sculptures by local artists from Buffalo Grove, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Mundelein and environs.

“I am not (an artist). That's why I need to support them. My art comes in what I like and what I think people will like,” Glassman said.

The Olive Tap comes home

For The Olive Tap, the opening actually represents a renaissance.

The store reopened Feb. 16 under owner Kelly Petrocelli.

“I sell premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, and I also sell a lot of other gourmet groceries as well, like pastas imported from Italy, spices, jams, jellies, sauces,” Petrocelli said.

The store first opened in Long Grove in 2006 in a nearby location, moved to a larger space across the street, then closed around 2021 when the original owners relocated to Colorado. Petrocelli, who lives in Long Grove, has deep roots with the business. She worked at the original store and the stores in Colorado.

“I grew up basically in The Olive Tap because the original family is my best friend's parents,” she said. “Everybody’s so excited that we’re back. I’ve had so much support from the community.”

Long Grove residents Brad and Cris Melliere were excited about the opening.

“Kelly’s fantastic,” Brad Melliere said. “We like to support the local business. And it’s really good.”

Cris Melliere said she has seen the pendulum swing both ways in the downtown.

“We have seen Long Grove go up and down,” she said. “Now it’s on the upswing again.”

A broader revival

The two openings come as village officials and business owners describe a renewed energy in Long Grove’s downtown, backed by years of public infrastructure investment.

“I think it’s the investments we made years ago,” Village President Bill Jacob said. “Upgrading the streets, the streetscape, the sidewalks, the streetlights, renovating the (Robert Parker Coffin) bridge. It is those types of investments that have helped attract investors to the downtown. There were no public sidewalks, there were no streetlights until a few years ago.”