Downtown Wheaton Association honors favorite businesses at annual 'Wheaton's Choice' event

WHEATON – As more new storefronts spring up around downtown Wheaton, area residents are able to shop, dine and otherwise enjoy a larger and larger selection of businesses.

The Downtown Wheaton Association let residents say which businesses they liked the most during its annual Wheaton's Choice awards April 22 at Adelle's Fine American Fare restaurant at 535 W. Liberty Drive.

"It's the Downtown Wheaton Association's way of recognizing and honoring those businesses or individuals who really have contributed in many ways to the economic vitality and downtown commercial community," association Executive Director Paula Barrington said.

Those new stores had a good showing at the association's annual meeting, with Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop and Mile Long Records taking first and third in the publicly-voted category. Both opened in 2014.

Longtime breakfast and lunch spot Egg'lectic Cafe's downtown location took second.

Barrington said the prevalence of locally owned and new businesses were good things for the city.

"These are in many cases family-owned businesses that stayed here in this economy and through all the ups and downs and are very committed to making Wheaton what it is today," she said. "They all offer a lot of personalized service, and you see the owners in the business day after day."

Maribeth Barrett, owner of Kilwins, said she was thankful the community chose her business.

"They voted for us and they've just been so supportive," she said. "They've been thanking us for opening Kilwins and they're all so happy with the location and the products. That's exactly what I wanted to do – to really have something here for the customers."

Other award recipients included Moore Toys & Gadgets at 107 E. Front St. for Façade Improvement of the Year, Ivy Restaurant owner Dick O'Gorman for the Spirit of Downtown Wheaton Award and Community Bank of Wheaton/Glen Ellyn for Business of the Year.