FOR THE LOVE OF SHOES: CHICAGO SNEAKER BOUTIQUE LAUNCHES PODCAST PROMOTING COMMUNITY

 

FOR THE LOVE OF SHOES: CHICAGO SNEAKER BOUTIQUE LAUNCHES PODCAST PROMOTING COMMUNITY

Sneakerville 88 podcast brings together athletes, entertainers, artists, and politicians  

After the successful launch of his latest sneaker boutique in Hyde Park, Chicago entrepreneur, and businessman James Denman is using his venture to bring people together through a new podcast. The Sneakerville 88 podcast features athletes, entertainers, artists, and even politicians. Even better, each podcast coincides with a new drop. The goal is to restore a sense of community and belonging over a shared love of sneakers.

“No matter your story or background, our common love of sneakers binds us together. It’s a conversation starter and something that we can use to begin to heal the deep divide that our country is in right now,” said entrepreneur and business owner, James Denman.

Healing the country? That may seem like a far-fetched idea in our current political climate, but maybe not. Recently, two U.S. congressmen launched the Congressional Sneaker Caucus to bring politicians to the table, regardless of their views. It’s that momentum Denman hopes to bring to his podcast and spread sneakerhead positivity throughout the City of Chicago.

No stranger to challenges, the Southside native, first opened what would become the number-one Harold’s Chicken in the City of Chicago on 35th and Indiana. He followed it up in 2019 with Harold’s Chicken 88 Sports Bar, the only franchise featuring a full-service bar in the South Loop. Last year, he added entrepreneur to his title of franchisee opening Sneaker Ville 88 in Bronzeville.  

“Being a franchisee taught me so much and I continue to nurture and grow the Harold’s Chicken brand, but I also had goals of creating something of my own from the ground up. Thus, Sneakerville 88 was born,” added Denman.

Denman continues to look forward to the future and hopes to one day, franchise Sneakerville 88, with locations across the nation, eventually selling the brand.

Keeping it in the family, daughter, Jamee Denman, can be found running the Hyde Park location most days.

“Sneakerville 88 isn’t about me or my accomplishments, but rather creating generational wealth. My family is my why. Retiring and ensuring their future for years to come, that’s the goal,” said Denman.

Store Locations:

Harold’s Chicken 88, 124 E. 35th St., Bronzeville; Harold’s Chicken 88 Sports Bar, 1450 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop; Sneaker Ville 88, 122 E. 35th St., Ste. B, Bronzeville; Sneakerville 88, 5241 S. Harper Ave., Chicago.

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