IL SR0626

Illinois Senate congratulates the DeGeratto family and Buddy Bear Car Wash on the City of Chicago designating "Buddy Bear Way" as an honorary street name at 5400 West Chicago Avenue at Lotus Avenue

The honorary designation honors Phillip "Papa Bear" DeGeratto and Phillip "Buddy Bear" DeGeratto, who founded Big Bear Foods, Buddy Bear Finer Foods, and Buddy Bear Car Wash on Chicago's West Side

The DeGeratto family has lived and operated businesses on Chicago's West Side for nearly a century, with approximately 70 years of community engagement

The family has supported local hiring initiatives, food security, public safety, youth employment, and reentry employment opportunities for returning citizens through their businesses and family foundation

Alderwoman Emma Mitts nominated and sponsored the honorary street designation after working with the DeGeratto family for more than 20 years