Palos's Favorite Neighborhood Businesses Nominated By Readers

PALOS, IL — We asked Palos Patch readers to name their favorite neighborhood businesses that went above and beyond to serve customers during the pandemic. Here are the businesses that rose to the top, according to Patch readers.

Here are the businesses readers nominated as their favorites:

Palos Ace Hardware

Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 708-389-0433
Address: 6465 W. 127th St., Palos Heights (Indian Trails Shopping Center)
From the nominators: "They always have something you need and know where it is in the store. Friendly service."

"If you want something in the hardware world the chances are that Ace will have it or can get it. Their Staff is always helpful in the application of their products or can suggest a product that will work for you."

ChuloFit Athlete Training

Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to noon Saturday; 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Classes vary. Call for hours.
Phone: 708-586-7088
Address: 13411 S Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights
From the nominators: “Lamont Doyle is an exceptional young man who has a passion for his business and his clients. Throughout these times Lamont, Nancy, Vanessa, and D, have dedicated themselves to maintaining the gym to ensure that all who worked out there were comfortable and safe. Their ability to adjust to ensure that clients were getting quality treatment in a clean gym was outstanding. Their dedication to their young members is especially noteworthy as many young kids has their regular sports cancelled or postponed. Lastly, despite all that is going on, Lamont is continuing to make improvements and is even looking to expand his facility. This is a great place and we’ve made many friends there, had a good few laughs, and have gotten in great shape mentally and physically. Cheers to all at Chulo.”

Golden Shoes
Hours: 9:30 a.m. 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Closed Sunday.
Phone: 708-448-3580
Address: 12212 S. Harlem Ave., Palos Heights
From the nominators: Marc and employees are awesome at remembering customers names a d even shoe sizes. They are very friendly and accommodating.

Palos Heights Recreation Department
Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 708-361-1807
Address: 6601 W 127th St., Palos Heights
From the nominators: The Rec Dept has gone above and beyond to provide healthy and safe workout and recreation options for residents. In the early pandemic, they instituted zoom fitness classes to keep residents moving and inspiring the grab for those healthy endorphins. They adapted again with great flexibility by offering controlled in person classes when restrictions lessened but kept the zoom classes for those preferring and as a back up for the potential of increased restrictions. Registration for the fitness center and walking track offered socially distanced, safe, fitness program options. Through dynamic regulations, additional staff training, technology challenges, etc., the team at PH Rec served our community. In the warmer weather, the center created a safe option to utilize the pool as well as distanced outdoor concert options using creative, out of the box thinking to benefit the residents seeking a tad of normalcy in this covid era. Many thanks to all for the metal and physical outlets provided during these incredibly challenging times. Kudos to the PH Rec staff, and to all the smiles that they all wore during even the most difficult of times.

O’Hara and Friends Salon
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Monday.
Phone: 708-239-1111
Address: 7008 W. 127th Ave., Palos Heights
From the nominators: O’Hara is involved in the wellbeing of not just the salon but their Friends as well. The staff, their clients and the community at large, Many times throughout the year they not only participate in fundraisers, but they also initiate them. During the worst of COVID last attack O’Hara held a Making Beds for Kids that don’t have beds initiative. They have sold handmade Christmas ornament for a child with Muscular Dystrophy. They have collected for dinners for at risk teens, countless candy drives for school fundraisers.

This community based business even brought get in a Physician to appear on local TV to answer questions about COVID brought forth by the community.

The associates are often seen volunteering for outside benefit supported by this business
This business goes back to the community which loves to support it. For sure this is the Best of the Palos Businesses.

Revival Wellness Yoga Studio
Hours: Offering virtual classes during COVID-19, check on website
Phone: 708-827-5220
Address: 7209 W. College Drive, Palos Heights
From the nominators: Wonderful, inclusive, warm and caring atmosphere! Over the top ideas and classes!!