Golden Ticket Hunts Bring Next Generation To S&T: Biz Beat

CHICAGO — The golden ticket hunts that have brought a bit of a fever pitch to the Mount Greenwood neighborhood over the past year or so have done more than bring neighbors together for a fun game. They've also helped a longtime family business continue its tradition for years to come.

Brian Giaretta, the S&T Provisions owner who runs the golden ticket hunts, said they have "definitely generated some added business," but more importantly "have increased our relationship with the current generation."

Since 1960, S&T has sold pizza setups and other cooking needs from their corner store at 111th and Hamlin.

"We've captured generations of families," Giaretta said.

But to some younger folks in the neighborhood and surrounding suburbs, S&T may have hit home more as the place with the unique neon sign along 111th Street. That's until last year, when Giaretta began hiding a "golden ticket," a yellow and black laminated sheet hidden somewhere in the neighborhood now and then.

Last November, the ticket went unfound for more than a week, at one point drawing hundreds of people along 111th Street at one time.

"This is my way of reaching my generation, by having fun," Giaretta said. "Now I feel like I'm seeing a lot more 30 somethings and 20 somethings in the store."