Four Chicago small businesses — from a pet sitter to a toy store — have made it to Yelp's annual list of the top 100 local businesses in the United States.
The national list released Wednesday includes companies that fall into a number of categories such as automobiles, beauty, books, fitness, fashion, food, home decor and home repair.
To create the list, Yelp identified up to three independent businesses and ranked them by volume and ratings of reviews, among other factors. Yelp said searches for “local businesses” in March were up 124% year-over-year.
The four Chicago businesses on the list include Chicago Pet Sitters in Lake View; dance studio Windy City Wedding Dance in the Loop; Rogers Park General Store Provisions; and Play children's toy store in Logan Square.
Chicago Pet Sitters CEO Dan Moranville, 34, started working at the company as a canine helper in 2018 and took over as CEO in 2022. Before joining the company, he worked in youth development after earning a master's degree from Vanderbilt University in Human and Organizational Development. .
“When I joined the team, I didn't have any plans for it long term, but I absolutely loved walking dogs at Chicago Pet Sitters and developed a close relationship with all the dogs in my path,” Moranville said.
“When I had the opportunity to take on the CEO role, I envisioned continuing the culture of positivity and kindness, and I wanted to make this a job people could stay in for years,” he said. “What could be better than spending every day caring for hundreds of adorable pets with a team that loves pets just as much, providing a service people can depend on while working or traveling?”
The company, which has five stars and 138 reviews on Yelp, started in 2005 and serves neighborhoods across the city from Albany Park to Edgewater and Humboldt Park to Old Town. The company has 21 employees, who walk dogs and pet care for cats and critters.
Moranville said it was difficult to adapt to a work-from-home environment where clients no longer had to schedule dog walks during the week, which was “by far the most important part of our business.”
“We have adjusted our operations to be more flexible in this new work-from-home economy and have adopted cat care as a core part of our business model,” he said.
The other three businesses on Yelp's list:
Windy City Wedding Dance – Founded in 2013, the company offers ballroom dancing classes, first wedding dances, and other dance styles at studios in the Loop, Lake View, and Aurora. Its trainers, who are required to train weekly, “share their corporate careers and have a real appreciation for finding a career in something we can't call work,” the company's website said.
Rogers Park Provisions – Rogers Park Provisions is a self-described general store offering shoppers beer, spirits, gourmet dry goods, cheeses, gifts and housewares. The store started in 2015 and focuses on offering local products, many of which are made within a mile, as well as regional brands.
Play — Founded in 2010, Play sells toys, books, and gifts for children. The retailer operates stores in Andersonville, the West Loop, Lincoln Park and Logan Square. “Exceptional quality of service, games, books and more!!!” one Yelp user wrote. “Ditch the chains and shop at this great local establishment.”
