the athenian candle co.

clocking in at 104 years old, this is the longest running business in Chicago’s Greektown. They produce and sell beeswax and paraffin candles for the Greek and Orthodox communities in Chicago and beyond—and have been run by four generations of Greek families. I like stopping by to pick up prayer candles and candles for good luck. The folks at the counter will ask what your candle is for (a new job, finding love, health), and will bless it for you at checkout. It’s a wonderful, sacred, and magic local business that I am happy to support!