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  • July 21 Newsletter: Altiro Group opened a new restaurant in Geneva this weekend

July 21 Newsletter: Altiro Group opened a new restaurant in Geneva this weekend

Plus Berkeley Finer Foods in Batavia to close after 16 years and a local shop named one of the "best pet stores in America" for 2025.

Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.

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🥙 A new restaurant concept from a familiar name

If you’ve been a fan of Altiro Latin Fusion over the years, you’ll be keen to learn what they’ve cooked up next.

The Altiro Group just launched a new restaurant concept in the former Altiro Lation Fusion space on Anderson Boulevard in Geneva: Enigma. They say the focus is on bold Latin flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a more intimate, modern vibe.

It’s led by Chef Cristian Orozco, who grew up in Guatemala, got his start cooking in Chicago, and trained at some of the city’s top Michelin-starred restaurants.

Their menu doesn’t appear to be available online yet, but I popped in and grabbed one. You can check it out here.

The other Altiro location on Third Street is still open. I have to say, their brunch torta is one of the best breakfast dishes I’ve had — excited to see how Enigma stacks up.

LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

🛻 An adventure — built in your backyard

Got a cabin up north? Lakefront beach house? Live in a cart-friendly neighborhood?

Then you already know how fun it is to cruise around in a cart. But you should know — not all carts are created equal.

Valor Carts is a family-owned business based right here in Batavia. They personally build each one of their electric low-speed vehicles so that they’re street-legal, road-ready, and extremely safe. Not to mention an absolute blast to drive (or ride).

They also proudly offer 10% off year-round for military and first responders. Reach out and take one for a test drive!

📰 News to use

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☑️ Goodbye Berkeley: Berkeley Finer Foods will close its store on Batavia’s east side on July 30 after 16 years in business, potentially ending a decades-long run of local grocers at the Van Buren Street location.

☑️ Fix-it funds: St. Charles is considering a new grant program that would help low-income homeowners pay for urgent home repairs through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

☑️ Command change: Following a national search, St. Charles is set to appoint Lt. Colonel Daniel J. Likens of the Illinois State Police as its next police chief this September, pending City Council approval.

🔒 Farm fight: A legal dispute between horse rescue nonprofit Casey’s Safe Haven and its landlords has escalated — an eviction suit has been merged into an ongoing lawsuit over the future of the Maple Park farm property.

☑️ DeWitte departure: Local State Senator (and former St. Charles Mayor) Don DeWitte announced he will not seek re-election in 2026 after a public service career spanning more than three decades in St. Charles and Springfield.

☑️ Serious offenses: A 29-year-old convicted sex offender from St. Charles is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly sharing child pornography in a group chat on the messaging app Kik.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Mural city: Not only will the upcoming Geneva Arts Fair give folks an opportunity to participate in a collaborative mural painting initiative, but a beautiful wildlife-focused mural is currently being crafted on the side of the Niche Restaurant building.

☑️ More artistic fun: Thanks to the St. Charles Arts Council team, community-painted banners are now hanging in Mt. St. Mary Park until mid-September. See photos here (or better yet, go check them out in person).

☑️ Calm after the storm: A new collaborative effort called “Disaster Ready Kane” will coordinate recovery resources and help local residents bounce back more quickly after natural disasters like floods, fires, or tornadoes.

🔒 Stormy protest: Despite rain and lightning, over 100 people gathered in Geneva on Saturday for the "Together for Justice" rally organized by We Can Lead Change Fox Valley.

☑️ Community input: The Geneva Fire Department is asking residents, workers, and business owners to complete a short survey to help shape its priorities and improve emergency services across the community.

☑️ Budget boss: After no one ran in the April election, Geneva is seeking applicants to fill the vacant City Treasurer seat by August 7 for a term that runs through May 2029. Get the details.

🎸 Live music

PRESENTED BY PRESERVATION

💥 See all of Preservation’s upcoming events

One last shameless plug for Tri-Cities Tunes on Tap at Preservation on Wednesday from 5-8PM — make that reservation to guarantee a spot, or just swing by when you’re free!

🤝 Local biz

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☑️ Pet care powerhouse: PETS+ Magazine recently featured Pug & Hound Pet Apothecary in Geneva as one of the country’s “coolest pet stores,” highlighting its holistic approach to pet wellness, fresh food, and in-store vet services.

☑️ Neighborly shuffle: MoJo Handbags in Batavia is moving three doors down into a space at 63rd Street Apothecary, a local shop that offers small-batch skincare and wellness products.

☑️ State Street newbie: A new nonprofit gym and wellness center called Strongoo has opened in downtown Geneva, offering a mix of fitness classes, recovery services, holistic health programs, and even co-working for both individuals and businesses.

✳️ Upgrade your closet: Back to school and fall wardrobe changes will be here before you know it. Have you checked out Urban Artisan’s selection of Geneva spirit-wear, Chicago-themed shirts, stylish hats and other one-of-a-kind apparel?

🎯 Local marketing made easy: Marketing is hard — especially when you’re focused on running a business day to day. But partnering with Tri-Cities Central is incredibly easy. Check out our sponsorship opportunities.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $2.5M estate on the border of St. Charles and Campton Hills.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

  • Monday (7/21): Batavia City Council (agenda)

  • Monday (7/21): Geneva City Council (agenda) and Committee of the Whole (agenda)

  • Monday (7/21): St. Charles City Council (agenda)

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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The Geneva Arts Fair in 2022. 📸 Credit: Geneva Chamber on Facebook

☑️ Smallcakes Ribbon Cutting | Wed 7/23, 12PM | Smallcakes, STC | The local cupcake shop will offer free samples, face painting for kids, and all-week discounts.

☑️ Sugar Grove Corn Boil | Thurs 7/24 - Sun 7/27 | Volunteer Park, Sugar Grove | A carnival, live music, car show, bar, catered food, and a good time for all.

☑️ School of Rock & Instrument Petting Zoo | Thurs 7/24, 6-8PM | STC Library | Families get to see the house band, then kids can try out instruments.

☑️ Geneva Arts Fair | Sat 7/26 - Sun 7/27 | Downtown Geneva | Enjoy fine art in scenic downtown Geneva with live music and other activities.

🎟️ Food, Fun & Polo Tailgate | Sun 7/27, 12-4PM | Blackberry Polo Club, Batavia | A 50s-themed, family-friendly, thrilling polo fundraiser for Marquee Youth Stage.

🎟️ Great Beer Cook-Off | Sun 7/27, 2-4PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | A cooking-and-sampling event where the winners will appear in a new cookbook.

📖 Thanks for reading

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