BURDEENS CHICAGO EXPANDS LEGACY WITH GRAND OPENING OF 2ND LOCATION IN LITTLE VILLAGE

BURDEENS CHICAGO EXPANDS LEGACY WITH GRAND OPENING OF 2ND LOCATION IN LITTLE VILLAGE

CHICAGO — In January, Burdeens Chicago, an iconic sports hat and apparel retailer owned by Gerry and Rolando Alvarez, celebrated the grand opening of its second location in the vibrant Little Village neighborhood. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the beloved store, building on decades of legacy in its original Pilsen location with a fresh vision for the future.

After finding success at Burdeens’ flagship Pilsen location, the Alvarez brothers decided to make the bold move to open another store in Little Village, a neighborhood known for its thriving commercial corridor and bustling foot traffic. The new 3,100-square-foot store opened at 3255 W. 26th Street and now offers an extensive collection of sports hats, apparel, and accessories. The Alvarez brothers will also introduce a new line of merchandise that will reflect the neighborhood’s vibrant Mexican American culture.

"As entrepreneurs, we are excited to open Burdeens in another predominantly Hispanic neighborhood that reflects our heritage," said Gerry Alvarez, co-owner of Burdeens Chicago. "This new location is not just about growth; it's about continuing the traditions that have made Burdeens a beloved name in Chicago while embracing the rich cultural tapestry of Little Village.”

Burdeens’ flagship store, formerly known as Soltan Shoes, has been a part of the Pilsen community for decades. Gerry and Rolando's journey with Burdeens began in the late '90s as part-time employees at Soltan Shoes, and they worked at the store through high school and college. With support from LISC Chicago, JPMorgan Chase’s Entrepreneurs of Color Fund (EOCF), and the City of Chicago's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grant, the Alvarez brothers purchased and renovated the store and opened it in 2023.

"Small businesses are the heart of Chicago’s neighborhoods, and Burdeens’ new location in Little Village demonstrates the power of community-driven growth,” said Ciere Boatright, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, City of Chicago. “By embracing the cultural identity of the area, this expansion not only boosts local commerce but also reflects the vibrant spirit of our city."

"We are thrilled to welcome Burdeens Chicago to Little Village's iconic 26th Street. This grand opening represents more than just a new store; it’s a celebration of our community's vibrant spirit and economic growth,” said Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. “Burdeens' commitment to offering unique sports apparel aligns perfectly with our goal to support local businesses that enhance the cultural fabric of our neighborhood. We look forward to seeing residents and visitors alike enjoy this exciting new addition to our community."

Burdeen’s expansion into Little Village underscores the importance of supporting small businesses as vital components of strong, connected communities.

"We are proud to have provided the foundation Burdeens needed to open their first store, which set them on the path to success and propelled them to expand with a second location," said Meghan Harte, Executive Director of LISC Chicago. "Supporting small businesses like Burdeens is at the heart of our mission to create opportunities and strengthen communities across Chicago."

For more information about Burdeens Chicago, please visit burdeenschicago.com/.

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