Patch Picks: Five Innovative Local Businesses

This week Patch picks five businesses that mix entrepreneurship and creativity with local flavor. Check out some of these... !

1. Beat the heat and keep your house neat. Old Town Art Studio, 1052 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs,  312-301-7024. If you’ve ever had a glue stick chemically cleaned out of a shag rug—or had to repaint a scribbled wall—you’ll appreciate OTAS’ art camp. Your little Picasso can complete a mess-free masterpiece in a couple hours. Big people are welcome too.
2. Beat the heat and stay off your feet (while the kids go ape). Little Monkey Business, 4700 Gilbert Ave., Western Springs, 708-246-9600. If you’ve ever had a red popsicle chemically cleaned out of a shag rug, or had to repaint a jelly covered wall, you’ll appreciate Little Monkey Business.  Little Monkey Business will host your birthday party, or you can just bring the kids there to burn off some little kid energy, while saving some valuable adult energy.
3. Speaking of saving energy… EzBike USA, 708-550-4877. LaGrange resident Tim Brzeczek and his partners are importing and distributing motorized bikes across the country. You can choose, pedal or metal; either way you’ll enjoy leaving your car in the garage.
4. So good, it won’t have time to melt. Red Mango , 81 South La Grange Rd., La Grange, 708-639-4329. This newly-opened, soft-serve frozen yogurt shop boasts natural ingredients. Choose from lots of healthy and decadent flavors.  You won’t feel guilty eating there (every day).
5. An easy solution to a growing concern. Pocket Dots, 708-557-2593. Western Springs Resident Annie Tandy launched her business to help the belly-challenged mom–to-be get a grip on her hips.  Her invention solves the problem of the rogue belly band.