CHICAGO AREA ELECTED OFFICIALS, PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES, AND CHICAGO AREA ENTERTAINERS TO GATHER FOR MAJOR STREET RENAMING FOR CHICAGO AREA BUSINESS

 CHICAGO AREA ELECTED OFFICIALS, PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES, AND CHICAGO AREA ENTERTAINERS 

TO GATHER FOR MAJOR STREET RENAMING FOR CHICAGO AREA BUSINESS

 

5400 W. CHICAGO AT LOTUS TO BE RENAMED

 “BUDDY BEAR WAY” OF BUDDY BEAR CAR WASH AND ENTERPRISES

 

Honorary designation recognizes the enduring legacy of Phillip "Papa Bear" DeGeratto and Phillip "BuddyBear" DeGeratto, whose lives and work exemplified dedication to family, faith, entrepreneurship, and community service on Chicago's West Side

 

Friday, February 27, 2026, 11:00 AM

5400 W. Avenue at Lotus Street, Chicago, Illinois

 

 

(Chicago, Illinois)- Emma Mitts- Alderwoman of Chicago’s 37th Ward- will be joined by numerous members of the Chicago City Council, The Illinois General assembly, Chicago area entertainers and residents as they gather for the well-deserved street renaming honor the legendary DeGeratto family who have not only owned several business throughout the westside and the Chicagoland area, but has also been a pillar of the community for nearly a century.


The DeGeratto family has lived and worked on Chicago's West Side for nearly a century, serving as lifelong residents, business owners, and community leaders whose commitment has strengthened neighborhoods and uplifted generations of residents.


Phillip "Papa Bear" DeGeratto and Phillip "Buddy Bear" DeGeratto founded and operated Big Bear Foods, Buddy Bear Finer Foods, and Buddy Bear Car Wash, businesses that became anchors in their communities and models of locally rooted entrepreneurship. Through nearly 70 years of community engagement, the DeGeratto family has created jobs, supported local hiring initiatives, and advocated for food security, public safety,

youth employment, and reentry employment opportunities for returning citizens.


The DeGeratto family's businesses and family foundation have sponsored schools, youth programs, community events, and neighborhood initiatives, and thousands of residents have benefited from their employment opportunities, mentorship, and generosity.


The DeGeratto family has been honored over the years by local alderpersons, school councils, and neighborhood organizations in recognition of their sustained civic involvement and charitable contributions.


The installation of the honorary street sign at or near 5400 West Chicago Avenue at Lotus Avenue, marking the location of the first Buddy Bear Food Center, ensures that this multigenerational legacy will be permanently recognized in the very community it helped build.


Chicago City Council Black Caucus Chairwoman Alderman Stephanie Coleman adds, “The DeGeratto family stands out as one of the premier families in Chiago. Their collective acts of kindness and generosity are second to none. The DeGeratto family has been there for us, so this is our way of being there for them.”


The entire DeGeratto family, led by Phil DeGeratto, will be present to receive the outstanding honor and give thanks to Chicago land for this wonderful act of kindness and appreciation.

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