Introduction to Gladstone Park’s Growing Business Corridor
GLADSTONE PARK — Multiple businesses have opened on Gladstone Park’s growing Milwaukee Avenue business corridor. In addition to the openings, Stefani’s Bottega Italiana announced it will pause restaurant service. Here’s the latest Gladstone Park food news:
Chiquita Scoops opened in Gladstone Park in September. Credit: Molly DeVore/ Block Club Chicago
Openings
Chiquita Scoops
Chiquita Scoops is bringing a taste of Puerto Rico and Mexico to Gladstone Park.
The family-owned ice cream and snack shop opened at 6140 N. Milwaukee Ave. at the end of September.
Owner Joel Gonzalez, who grew up on the Northwest Side and is a Taft High School graduate, said he wanted to bring more Latino food options to the area. The shop’s menu is inspired by Joel Gonzalez’s Puerto Rican roots and his wife Mireya Gonzalez’s Mexican heritage.
The restaurant serves classic ice cream flavors like chocolate and cookies and cream as well as Mexican-inspired options like mango de leche and paletas, which are Mexican-style popsicles. Chiquita Scoops’ menu also features churros, mini pancakes, waffles, torts, elote, tater tots and tamales.
Joel and Mireya Gonzalez have full-time jobs, but Joel Gonzalez said he’s always been interested in owning a small business. His family is very entrepreneurial, and his sister, Michelle Gonzalez, owns October Cafe in Norwood Park.
Chiquita scoops was named after Joel and Mireya Gonzalez’ four-year-old daughter, Ximena. Credit: Molly DeVore/ Block Club Chicago
Chiquita Scoops was inspired by the Gonzalezes’ 4-year-old daughter, Ximena, who’s had a sweet tooth since birth, they said. “Chiquita” means “little girl” in Spanish.
Joel Gonzalez said he and his wife want to be role models for Ximena and their almost 2-year-old son, Emilio. He said they wanted to create a place where the kids could see their culture being celebrated and where other people could learn more about Latino culture. He said Northwest Siders often have to go to Albany Park or suburban Des Plaines to find Latino-owned snack shops.
Chiquita Scoops had an ofrenda up during Día De Los Muertos and hosted a Halloween and Día De Los Muertos story time at the shop. Chiquita Scoops is also partnering with the group Latina Mamis for a Nov. 22 event and will do Christmas pop-ups through the holidays. The shop’s current holiday menu features Chocolate abuelita, which is a Mexican-style hot chocolate in drink and ice cream form.
Joel Gonzalez said they also plan on selling hot chocolate and churros at Taft High School. Chiquita Scoops offers a student deal which includes a hot dog, fries and juice for $5.
You can learn more about the business by checking out the Chiquita Scoops Facebook and Instagram.
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