Local Favorites
We strive to nourish our communities with goods made in our communities. That's why we intentionally curate the highest quality products from local growers and producers whose operation are within a 250-mile radius - or a few hours' drive from our stores. We believe that food produced closer to you is better for you and that supporting small businesses can strengthen our communities and create a more sustainable future.
We look for items that are fresh, in-season, unique and delicious. These select products are trusted, known and resonate with our guests.
But it's the people behind the products whose stories we are most passionate about. They turned their passion and dreams into a brand that we are proud to help represent. That pasta sauce you fell in love with started in a mother's home kitchen. The pie that your family has to have every Thanksgiving was a grandmother's recipe passed down through three generations. Now these family favorites and time-honored traditions are yours too.
Our store advocates and the farmers, producers and suppliers who partner with us are working together to expand the concept of community. This is how our local favorites become loved by more people.
Bringing Your Local Favorites To More Communities
From hometown passion to regional favorite, we love helping small businesses grow. By sharing their products in all our stores, we connect guests to the flavors-and the people-that make our communities special.
Ilona Kossoff founded 18 Chestnuts after years of struggling with digestive issues. Eventually, she turned to the type of food that always brought comfort: fresh, simple ingredients cooked well. Her journey to feeling better led to a nutrition-focused career change and along the way she began building community and nourishing souls through artisanal soup. Each flavor is crafted with care, offering Ilona’s twist on classics like Tuscan Tomato and Potato Leek, or her own unique creations such as Chestnut Maple.
A Chicago original can be enjoyed outside the Windy City. It all began when Luciano Malnati started working at Chicago’s first Deep Dish pizzeria in the 1940’s. He opened his own pizzeria in a Chicago suburb in 1971. Its enormous success prompted expansion plans. Although he died of cancer in 1978, his sons Marc and Rick joined their mother Jean to continue the family business. Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria continues to draw diners from around the world seeking Chicago’s deep dish pizza experience.
Brett Smith and Fred Houk launched Counter Culture Coffee in Durham in 1995 after meeting at UNC-Chapel Hill’s business school. Together, they created a brand known for producing high-quality, ethically sourced beans and committed to environmental, social and fiscal sustainability. Counter Culture Coffee is also known for building lasting relationships with farmers, promoting biodiversity and offering educational resources such as training center tastings that are open to all.
Taste Your State: Local Favorites Near You*
Discover the best your state has to offer, all in one place. From farm-fresh produce to artisanal goods, explore local products that bring the flavors and craftsmanship of your community to your cart!
*Brands and items can vary by store.
17th St BBQ (Murphysboro, IL): 17th Street Barbecue, a staple of Southern Illinois and continued by Amy Mills after her father, the legendary Mike Mills, honors three generations of passion for smoky, flavorful BBQ. In the late Mike Mills’s own words, 'Life’s too short for a half-rack.
For Goods Food (Downers Grove, IL): Chef Kiley Fields, founder of For Good Granola, blends global flavors with nutrient-rich, organic ingredients. Committed to giving back, she supports programs empowering individuals with disabilities. Enjoy unique, wholesome granola with a purpose!
Libanais (Chicago, IL): From the Lebanese Mediterranean and Raouche Rocks, Libanais (Lee-bah-Ney) Foods is a first-generation immigrant-owned business handcrafting delectable 'little desserts' with the finest ingredients, ensuring every bite is balanced and savor-worthy.
Oberweis Dairy (North Aurora, IL): Committed to the best ingredients & methods, Oberweis Dairy proudly serves high-quality products from their family to yours. Their iconic glass bottles keep the milk colder & fresher longer—for the best-tasting milk on your table. How refreshing!
Prairie Farms Dairy (Edwardsville, IL): Whether it’s caring for our cows or caring for the land using sustainable farming practices, producing the highest quality milk and naturally good dairy products has been the Prairie Farms way since 1938. Dedicated Farmers | Happy Cows
Two Brothers Coffee Roasters (Warrenville, IL): Since 1996, Two Brothers Coffee have been carefully crafting thoughtful and expressive coffees and tea around the Chicagoland area using sustainable roasting techniques. Develop friendships with a coffee – visit them in Warrenville, IL and Aurora, IL.
Want to see your products in our stores?
Apply here to be a part of our local vendor program or scan the QR code below!