Opening of ice cream shop in Forest Glen delayed until the fall

by BRIAN NADIG

The planned opening of the Sugar Rae’s Ice Cream shop at 5281 N. Elston Ave. has been delayed several months due to permit issues.

“We are looking at the fall (to open). It’s not ideal, but we already put so much into this place,” said Danielle Thomas, who will operating the business with her husband Will. “We are new at this (and) trying to remain positive.”

The previous occupant of the Forest Glen storefront was a dog grooming shop, and the conversion of the space to an eatery requires a building permit, according to Danielle Thomas. A plat of survey is being sought for the site as part of the permit application process, and an architect will be providing plans, she said.

Thomas said that she “thanks” the community for its patience and that while she had hoped to have the shop open this summer, it’s being designed as an all-year business and menu items other than ice cream are being considered.

The store is being named after the owners’ daughter.

“We are constantly getting her ice cream,” Thomas said.

Rae would tell her parents that she wanted her own shop, and eventually mom and dad agreed to become first-time business owners.

The shop is within walking distance of the Thomas home in neighboring Jefferson Park and located in the same mini-mall with one of their favorite eateries, Mr. V’s Pizza, 5285 N. Elston Ave. It’s also around the corner from the busy Forest Glen Playlot Park, 5069 W. Berwyn Ave.

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