Area Code: Batavia

When Austin Dempsey had the opportunity to step into a long-term leadership role in the family business, he took it. But in the face of a global pandemic, he recognized how investing in Batavia's community would pay off for everyone in the long run. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the CEO of BEI Commercial Real Estate about the significance of spaces to foster community,...

Every year, an entirely new group of entrepreneurs set up shop on the corner of Wilson and River street, with their hearts set of finding a home and community in Batavia. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we talk to all the boardwalk shop owners about their hopes for their time in Batavia, what led them here, and what it means to be part of the boardwalk shops community. The Boardwalk Shops f...

Craig Foltos grew up in Batavia, cleaning his Dad's barber shop. He has almost never ventured outside of the town where he was raised (once he stayed overnight in Warrenville). But when his dad died, Craig had to come to terms with his fate, as a barber, as a Batavian, and as a consistent presence in a constantly changing town. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner o...

A "blind date" between two beer aficionados. A day spent praying and fasting. A wedding invitation with a familiar passage. A pre-designed logo featuring a familiar building. These are just some of the serendipitous moments that lead to Sturdy Shelter Brewing, and that made the founding of the brewery in Batavia, IL seem almost fated. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, recorded live in front o...

When Juliana Cancelo's mom, Sylvia Sanchez had a dream of Batavians craving empanadas, Juliana was skeptical. But it took a change of perspective to realize that her mom's dream could also be an act of empathy and resistance. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation Juliana Cancelo, one-half of the Bocaditos founding duo, about the counter-cultural vision behind their Argentian cafe,...

When Tyler and Natalie Anderson set out to start their own barbershop in Batavia, they knew they wanted to make it their own. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the co-owners of Beardsgaard Barbers about why they chose Batavia to host their vision, and why they're so passionate about creating a barbershop as a place to belong. Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss n...

Building on a successful candle-business, Ariane Scholl wanted to create a space that was welcoming, people-oriented, and comfortable. And with her new location, she found a place perfectly situated to accomodate anyone. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I talked to Ariane (who also goes by Annie) about the tensions between creating a space that feels like home and a space that challenges us...

Fernando Martinez is everywhere. He spends most of his time running his business all over town. But how does one feel a sense of belonging when they're always moving from place to place? On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I talk to Fernando Martinez about the tension between tradition and progress, and how that tension applies to Mexican food, business ownership, and Batavia itself. Special th...

Joy and Leah had a dream of running a thriving community space. When the chance to turn their aspirations into reality presented itself, Leah and Joy jumped at the opportunity. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the co-owners of Limestone Coffee and Tea about how their friendship began, their experience in Batavia, and the road that led to Limestone. Subscribe to our newsle...

Coming this February, a podcast about what it means to belong in Batavia, IL.