Business

Higher import costs, steady foot traffic from the venues and shoppers who buy later each year are shaping holiday plans on Broadway and Argyle.

Uptown’s main commercial street has new tenants and stubborn vacancies. A look at what is keeping some spaces dark and what is filling others.

The leather bar opened over Memorial Day weekend in the terra cotta building at Broadway and Leland, run by HV Entertainment, with space set aside for the Baton Show Lounge.

Sold-out shows on Lawrence Avenue shape staffing, inventory and hours for nearby bars and restaurants. Owners explain how they plan around the calendar.

The CTA finished rebuilding the Wilson Red Line stop in 2018. New leases have arrived slowly on the blocks around Broadway and Wilson.

The rebuilt Lawrence Red Line station reopened in July 2025. Shop owners near the stop describe what has changed and what has not.

The Member 2 Member Discount Card gives savings at participating Uptown businesses. Residents can get one for $25 a year as Friends of the Chamber.

Businesses can still buy space on Uptown’s light-pole banners, with names printed on both sides and a discount for members of the local business association.

Family-owned Hayes Mechanical, which has served Uptown since 1918, will be honored May 2 at a networking lunch at Andies Restaurant on Montrose Avenue.

Hopleaf Bar, Shake, Rattle & Read, Fiesta Mexicana and attorney Richard Feingold are among businesses that joined Uptown’s chamber late in 2006.

Starting in February 2007, Chicago businesses will renew licenses every two years. The city says the change will shorten waits and lower compliance costs.

Restaurants with a Retail Food Establishment License can apply to serve on city sidewalks, but they also need the alderman’s approval. The basics.