Devoted Drives: Anderson’s Bookshop (Naperville) Voted Illinois’ Most Popular Small Business.

• Poll of 3,014 people asking which small businesses they would be willing to drive more than an hour to reach. 
• The Violet Hour (Chicago) was voted in #2; and Optimo Hats (Chicago) came in #3.
• Infographic included.

We all know those small businesses we can’t live without – the bakery that serves the best pastries, the family-owned hardware store with the perfect tool for every job, or the quirky bookshop where you always find a hidden literary treasure. These are the kinds of places customers will drive considerable distances to visit, even if they’ve since moved far from the area. 

Advance Funds Network, a business financing company, ran a poll of 3,014 people asking which small businesses have products or services so beloved that they would drive more than an hour to reach them. Based on the survey results, they were able to create a ranking of the country’s 150 hidden gem businesses, spotlighting the ones that inspire the most devotion from their customers.

In Illinois, the top small businesses were:

#1. Anderson’s Bookshop – Naperville
A family-owned indie bookstore that’s hosted every big author you can name. Beloved for its expert staff picks and cozy atmosphere, Anderson’s is a cornerstone for Illinois readers who’ve been known to drive in from hours away for signings.

#2. The Violet Hour – Chicago
A moody, unmarked speakeasy tucked behind a rotating mural in Wicker Park. Known for its rulebook (no phones, no standing), bespoke cocktails, and whisper-level ambiance, it’s a pilgrimage for cocktail lovers who take their craft seriously.

#3. Optimo Hats – Chicago
High-end, handcrafted fedoras made using century-old tools. This place is serious about hats, and so are their customers—many of whom fly in from across the country for fittings. Think old-school tailoring, modern devotion.

Across the country, other stand out businesses were highly sought-after: 

In Ocean Springs, Mississippi, The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint blends smoky barbecue with a side of live music, all in a funky roadhouse built from salvaged odds and ends. It’s the kind of spot where folks come hungry for brisket and stick around for the jam sessions. Over in Nashville, Tennessee, Loveless Cafe has been a biscuit lover’s paradise since the 1950s. Set in a former roadside motel, it’s known for flaky biscuits, salty country ham, and the kind of red-eye gravy that fuels long drives and fond memories.

Further east, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit in Charleston, South Carolina keeps things cozy with a tiny storefront and a devoted fanbase. Whether it’s cheddar and chive or something sweet like blackberry jam, these handmade biscuits are worth the wait. And if you find yourself on the Maryland coast, Thrasher’s French Fries in Ocean City is a rite of summer – crispy, vinegar-soaked fries served by the bucket, no ketchup allowed. Rounding things out in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats draws craft beer fans from all over. It’s the original home of the now-famous brewery, known for bold flavors, offbeat menu items, and the kind of atmosphere that turns a quick bite into an all-evening affair.

Infographic showing the most popular small business by state

“Our survey is a testament to the deep emotional connections people form with their favorite small businesses. These aren’t just places to shop or eat – they’re part of people’s stories. Whether it’s a flaky biscuit that tastes like childhood or a boutique that feels like a treasure hunt, customers are willing to go the extra mile – literally – to support the places that make their communities feel like home. That kind of loyalty is both powerful and inspiring,” says Irving Betesh, CRO of Advance Funds Network.