Downtown St. Charles Businesses Making Improvements

The Downtown St. Charles Partnership says several businesses in Fox Island Square have made improvements, announced special offers and new product lines for their customers.

According to a release, the businesses include , , and . The Fox Island Square Center is along 1st Street between Illinois and Indiana streets.

Kimberly Elam of recently added a new ice cream making-machine, which dramatically improves her efficiencies, the release states. The improvement will give Elam the opportunity to do more with her business. Recently, as noted from website, Elam trademarked her own Sparkle Cone. Ice cream flavors range from classics such as Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup to Gourmet flavors such as Cinnamon Roll and Red Velvet Cake. , 1 W. Illinois St., is in Fox Island Square, along with , , and . For more info, visit www.kimmersicecream.com.

George Guggeis, the owner of , recently announced a special meal to support The 3/50 Project in conjunction with the Downtown St. Charles Partnership. Guests have the option of enjoying a 3/50 meal which is a three-course meal plus two glasses of wine for $50 per person.

The 3/50 Project is a national campaign to support independently owned local businesses. The concept is that people each month should pick three of these businesses and spend $50 in total among them. The www.the350project.net website shares how on average $68 of every $100 spent at local independent businesses stay in the community, compared to just $43 of every $100 spent at national chains.

, at 1 W. Illinois St., is along the banks of the Fox River in downtown and serves fresh, modern American cuisine such as tender aged steaks, fresh seafood, homemade pasta and creative salads. For more info, visit www.bistro1west.com.

The recently announced that it will carry a new line of gourmet chocolates and sweet sauces according to its website. Kevin Roblee, a Riverside, Ill., resident, who is founder and chief chocolatier of KOKKU Distinctive Gourmet, has created this new line of gourmet chocolates. The new line of chocolates and sweet sauces includes Gourmet Chocolate Blend, White chocolate Sauce with Pear William Liqueur, Sheer Dark, and Caramel Sauce.

The , 300 S. 2nd St., is known for its bakery, meat department, and its friendly staff. The has been in operation for more than 80 years and is the oldest family-owned retail business in downtown. For more information, visit www.bluegoosemarket.com.