What Should Go Here? Barb's Place on 167th

Laura Clemons July 18, 2012 at 11:32 am

I think because of the building being set back on the lot, passing traffic can't see it until they are right on top of it. Because of this, a fast food/drive thru might have a tough time at this location. It's a cute building. I think a small business such as a hair salon, dentist, accountant, small law office or a small day care facility could do well here. These types of businesses already have an established clientele - so the location might not be that big of an issue, as attracting the passing traffic wouldn't be as crucial.

NANCY GRACE July 18, 2012 at 12:33 pm

That hot dog joint on crawford/152nd should move there!

Kathy Oboikovitz July 18, 2012 at 01:35 pm

I've always thought a bait shop would work well there.

Evelyn July 18, 2012 at 02:40 pm

What about a seasonal garden shop? Christmas Tree in the winter, flowers in spring and summer, fresh veggies and fruit, and pumpkins in the fall. Sure, some down time but that could be a chance for the store to be a gift store. Wish I had the money, I'd do it. Imagine how beautiful the forest preserve would be as a backdrop...It would be a destination. That's my idea at least.

Jim Peterman July 18, 2012 at 04:30 pm

I would like to see a Polish/Bohemian buffet restaurant like you find in the South Side of Chicago area. If that would not fit in the space, then how about a bistro with indoor and outdoor tables.

Richard DeVries July 18, 2012 at 06:24 pm

I like Evelyn's idea.

Jeanne E. Fredriksen July 18, 2012 at 06:43 pm

Long ago, it was I coffee shop. It was nice because I could walk there, socialize with neighbors, buy great coffee beans. But to survive at that location, it has to be something with an established and loyal clientele, like Laura said.

Jim McBob July 18, 2012 at 07:33 pm

Personally, I would love to see a decent ice cream shop move into there, ala Dairy Queen or something along that line. All Oak Forest really has in the way of an actual ice cream shop is Jack Frost on 159th street, and they are only open a couple of months out of the year and situated in a bad spot along such a heavily congested road. But I have to wonder if a business would succeed there, since no business has to date. In all honesty, Barbs had bad food. Ate there once and never went back. Nothing personal against the folks who owned it. There was a hotdog place there previously and their hotdogs and burgers were awful. Perhaps a place serving decent quality food or ice cream could succeed. It would certainly give the people like me, who live in Gingerwood or Fieldcrest, a place to go that is nearby and convenient. Just my thoughts on the subject...

Nick Swedberg (Editor) July 18, 2012 at 07:59 pm

I've heard from many people who would welcome a coffee shop.

Jane July 18, 2012 at 09:10 pm

I agree with Jim McBob, he has the right ideas.

chris rocco July 18, 2012 at 10:58 pm

A Diners Drive in or Dive type place. Good Food Good Service people will come.

Colleen McAbee July 26, 2012 at 12:30 am

Combine Kathy and Evelyn's ideas for a seasonal garden and bait shop.