Elmhurst Store Breaks Governor's Order: Police

ELMHURST, IL — An Elmhurst police report says a small grocery store was allowing customers to enter for purchases last week in violation of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-at-home order. Police showed up at Little Shopper, 697 N. York St., at 1 p.m. Friday. It was unclear how the store was violating the order.

In an interview with Patch, manager Sam Salim said he did not understand why the police were called to the store. He said his store is allowed to operate under the order, saying it sells tobacco, milk, bread and other food items. Under the governor's order, grocery and convenience stores are deemed essential and can stay open during the crisis.

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Salim said his store is following protocols to stop the spread of the coronavirus, including the requirement to wear face masks. The police listed the business as Little Shopper and the main sign in front of the retail complex lists that name. But the sign on the business at 697 N. York Street says Cigarettes & Vape.

A city spokeswoman did not return a request for comment left late Monday. Elmhurst Patch has submitted a public records request to the city about the issue.

A couple weeks ago, Elmhurst police broke up a gathering at 100 South Chop House, 100 S. York St. The owner, Dominic Ranieri, later told Patch that he allowed a gathering for an employee whose grandmother had died earlier in the day. He said the employee helped him when Ranieri was suffering from addiction.

In early April, Elmhurst police were twice called to the Going for Greatness Gym, 503 W. Third St., saying the business appeared to be open.

On Monday, Mayor Steve Morley issued a public letter to the governor, urging him to allow the opening of businesses sooner in Elmhurst and other suburbs.