Family-Owned Olive Oil Store Offers Broad Selection, Classes

GLENVIEW, IL — The owners of gourmet olive oil and food product Oh Olive! reopened at their Glenview location at The Glen Town Center last November. Long interested in the north suburban market, the owners of the shop – Aaron Schuenemann, Sandra Schuenemann and Mary Koval, who are also proprietors Oh Olive! in Libertyville – liked the "vibe" of the community in Glenview.

"We try, whenever possible, to work with other small businesses to promote their success as well as our own," said CEO Sandra. "In this way, we feel we are doing our part to preserve the American dream that has been the inspiration of small business in this country forever."

In addition to what some customers call the best selection of olive oil and vinegar on the North Shore, Oh Olive! carries other gourmet food products and hosts special events and cooking classes.

"We love to cook and to teach our customers how to cook with olive oil. We only stock the freshest and highest quality Delizia extra virgin olive oil in our stores, and invite you to taste our oils and judge for yourself," she Schuenemann told Patch Small Business Spotlight.

"In addition to their exceptional flavor, you will also benefit from the many health properties of fresh olive oil. Stop by and have a cup of tea with us," she said. "The door is always open, and we love to chat."

Schuenemann said the business, which began in 2010, has returned more than $30,000 to its return customers in the form of $20 cash back every time regulars spend $200, regardless of how long it takes or the mode of payment.

Oh Olive! also gives more than $10,000 annually to community organizations, along with presentations to community groups and olive oil health and cooking demonstrations.

The most difficult challenge, as with many small businesses, has been "getting the word out" about what makes the business special, she said.

"We understand the quest for the freshest and best olive oil to use for both health and taste, so we are also happy to offer to the community all of our oils in a size that everyone can afford," Schuenemann said.

More information from Oh Olive! — Libertyville and Glenview