If you are looking for a great place to eat and want to support local family-owned and operated businesses, look no further than your own village.

The Minooka Creamery, 111 McEvilly Road, is a family-owned and operated since 1999. It offers a variety of smoothies, ice cream and specialty ice cream, as well as hot food like hot dogs and burgers. The Minooka Creamery is dedicated to a fun atmosphere and great hospitality.

The Shrimp Barn, 125 E. Mondamin St., Minooka, is another locally-owned restaurant. Opened on Dec. 3, 2011, The Shrimp Barn makes its food fresh and healthy. It offers grilled, sautéed and fried items. Choose from seafood, chicken and even alligator.

Cookie's Restaurant, 103 W. Mondamin St., Minooka, was established in 1982. Cookies is a family-owned restaurant, known for its warm, cozy atmosphere, fine food, great drinks and friendly service. It offers sandwiches, salads, steaks, chops and more.

Lone Star Restaurant, 25208 W. Eames St., Channahon, is a family-owned restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as full bar service. The casual dining restaurant has become the "in place" for breakfast.

The Godmother's Chicago Pizza & Catering, 25520 S. Pheasant Lane, Channahon, is a family-owned and operated restaurant opened in 2014. All of their menu items are cooked from scratch. They serve lunch and dinner, as well as offer catering services.

Channahon businessman John Carnagio owns and operates three McDonald's restaurants in Channahon and Minooka, as well as three others in the area with his wife. Carnagio was previously interviewed by the Herald Life in Nov. 2013 and said at his grand opening of a Channahon location in 1996 that they wanted to be more than just a business in town, they wanted to be a neighbor. He added they work hard to contribute to the community.

Channahon and Minooka are great communities filled with fun activities, abundant natural spaces and homespun charm. Find out more about living here from real estate expert, Michelle Carr, Broker, at Realty Executives Success. Call 815.739.1339 or visit www.MichelleCarrOnLine.com