The closure of My Flavor It Place, a beloved ice cream shop on Main Street in Lake Zurich, has ignited a wave of reactions on social media, with residents questioning the village’s role in fostering a supportive environment for local businesses. The shop’s shutdown has also sparked a broader conversation about the balance between redevelopment and preserving community staples.
The ice cream shop, a longtime family-operated business, closed its doors after deciding not to renew its lease. Owner Cally Razes announced the closure in a heartfelt Facebook post on January 2, which quickly garnered hundreds of comments from patrons expressing sadness, frustration, and even anger. Many lamented the loss of a cherished gathering spot, while others pointed to the realities of market dynamics and redevelopment.
“I was definitely surprised by the response,” Razes said of the outpouring. “I wasn’t anticipating that much communication from people or that level of reaction.”
The closure has divided the community. Some residents blame village officials for creating an environment they believe is less family-friendly, with some even calling for changes in local leadership. Others argue that My Flavor It Place and other tenants in the building benefited from below-market rents for years and had ample notice of the changes. “Run for office if you’ve got better ideas,” one commenter suggested.
At the heart of the issue is the sale of the building at Main Street and North Old Rand Road, which was purchased by developer True North Properties Inc. in March 2023. The village had acquired the property in 2006 as part of a broader redevelopment initiative. According to village officials, tenants were informed of the potential sale in February 2023 and given the option to purchase the property. However, the tenants, including My Flavor It Place, declined due to the building’s age and anticipated maintenance costs.
Razes acknowledged that she expected a rent increase but said the lease terms and other issues related to the building project made it untenable to continue operating at the location. “By sharing our experience, we hope to encourage greater oversight and community involvement in our towns and governing bodies,” she explained.
My Flavor It Place, which originally opened as Uncle T’s in 2003, relocated to its Main Street location in 2009 after its original site was condemned and demolished for apartment construction. The shop also operates seasonal locations in Wauconda and Palatine.
The building’s new owner, True North Properties, plans to invest at least $1.5 million in renovations over the next two years as part of a redevelopment agreement with the village. Lease increases for existing tenants were capped at 10% through June 2025, according to Michael Duebner, Lake Zurich’s assistant village manager.
“While many in the community are mourning the loss of My Flavor It Place, it was their business decision to close the Lake Zurich location,” Duebner said. He emphasized that the village had been transparent about its plans to sell the property and that the redevelopment process was no secret.
The building’s other tenants have also been affected. Johnny’s Shoe Repair, a 45-year staple in downtown Lake Zurich, relocated across the street in November due to overdue maintenance required to secure building insurance. Craving Gyros, the third tenant, has not yet renewed its lease but plans to remain in the building, according to George Ieremciuc, president of True North Properties.
As Lake Zurich moves forward with its redevelopment efforts, the closure of My Flavor It Place serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges small businesses face amid urban renewal. For many residents, the shop’s departure marks the end of an era, while others see it as a necessary step toward revitalizing the downtown area. The debate continues, reflecting the complex interplay between progress and preservation in a community’s evolution.
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