Patch Picks: Five Innovative Businesses

One of the nice things about "shopping local" is stumbling upon a shop that you might not be able to find anywhere else. Here are a few local favorites.

1. Jean Therapy, 715 Village Center Dr, Burr Ridge

This shop offers everything from lingerie to graphic tees to—you guessed it—jeans! True to its name the store offers jean therapy sessions by e-mail. Customers can discover the best jean cut and styles for their body types, and when their "session" is over, they can buy the pair they've decided on at the store. 

2. Red 21 Boys, 725 Village Center Dr, Burr Ridge

There are only two in the Chicago area, and Burr Ridge has one of them. The company in 2005 originally wanted to open a children's clothing store in the North Chicago suburbs, but the owners were surprised to find a lack of stylish clothes for boys, so they came up with the concept of a store where boys could try on clothes without girls around.

3. Kirsten's Danish Bakery, 94 Burr Ridge Pkwy, Burr Ridge

Kirsten's Danish Bakery has been serving up authentic Danish treats since 1989. The store's baker has brought many of his own recipes from Denmark. Items such as Kringle, Seven Sisters and danish sweetrolls can be found within, made with many ingredients imported from the homeland. 

4. , 29 S. Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills

There are plenty of boutiques for humans, but owner Lila Mufti owns a truly unique boutique—one that caters only to our four-legged friends. The Modern Dog, which will celebrate its second anniversary in August, sells healthy treats that even the pickiest pets will like. Mufti's merchandise ranges from pet carriers and leashes to clothes and toys for dogs of all sizes. 

5. Sweet Ali's, 13 W. 1st St., Hinsdale

One of Hinsdale's newest businesses, Sweet Ali's is a bakery that specializes in making gluten-free products. Owner Ali found out that both she and her son had celiac disease, which is an intolerance to gluten. Gluten is an ingredient found in foods such as barley and wheat. After finding gluten-free desserts she purchased often were dry or bland, Ali was inspired to make delicious gluten-free treats that her daughter, who does not have celiac disease, could enjoy along with her son. Soon, Sweet Ali's was born, and now the bakery specializes in treats such as cupcakes and fresh breads. Customers can even take home frozen, gluten-free cookie dough.