ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (July 9, 2025) – For its commitment to community, inclusion, and exceptional service, Gerry’s Café has been inducted into the 2025 class of Illinois Makers, celebrating authentic experiences created by small businesses across Illinois. The Illinois Made Program is administered by the Illinois Office of Tourism to drive tourism to every region of the state.
Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of locally owned businesses - known as Illinois Made Makers - whose authentic products and one-of-a-kind experiences reflect the best of Illinois’ craftsmanship and culture. Gerry’s Café joins an esteemed group of 277 Illinois Makers recognized for their contributions to our state’s unique character.
“This recognition is not just about a great cafe,” said Heather Larson, President & CEO of Meet Chicago Northwest. “It’s about celebrating a business that is changing lives, elevating inclusion, and exemplifying what makes the Chicago Northwest region so special. Gerry’s Café reflects the values at the heart of the Illinois Made program. We are thrilled to see them earn this distinction.” Meet Chicago Northwest celebrated the occasion with an official plaque presentation, along with elected officials and civic leaders.
Founded to create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Gerry’s Café has become a beloved destination for residents and travelers alike. With warm hospitality, house-made pastries, and purpose-driven mission, Gerry’s continues to redefine what it means to serve a community.
To learn more about Gerry’s Cafe: www.gerryscafe.org
To learn more about Meet Chicago Northwest: www.chicagonorthwest.com
To learn more about the Illinois Made program visit: www.enjoyillinois.com/illinois-made
About Meet Chicago Northwest
Meet Chicago Northwest (MCNW) is a non-profit, 501c6, destination marketing organization whose mission is to promote its service area of eight communities (Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Schaumburg, Streamwood, Wood Dale) for meetings, convention, sporting events, group tours, and leisure visits. MCNW concentrates on direct sales and marketing programs designed to promote the area in order to increase overnight hotel stays thereby enhancing the local economy through visitor spending. Meet Chicago Northwest is one of 37 Illinois certified convention bureaus and the first in the state to have achieved the prestigious DMAP Accreditation through Destinations International.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Larson, CMP, CDME
President & CEO, Meet Chicago Northwest
hlarson@chicagonorthwest.com
