The former Kerwell CBD storefront at 8 W. Jefferson Ave. is getting a sweet new tenant. Lola's Handcrafted Churros plans to open there in July, right next door to Naper Nuts & Sweets.
The downtown Naperville location will be the third store for owner Mayra Serna, 38, who opened her first shop in Lisle in 2022 and a second in Yorkville in 2025. Serna grew up in Wheaton after immigrating to the U.S. at 14 and spent her teenage years wandering downtown Naperville with friends.
"I've walked those streets in Naperville since I was a teenager," Serna told the Naperville Sun. "I guess never in a million years I would imagine being part of such an amazing community, but it just feels right. I'm giving something back."
Serna spent five years perfecting her churro recipe after leaving the hospitality industry in 2017, naming the business after her mother. The signature item is the churro sundae ($11.50), a churro with toppings and soft serve. Milkshakes run $7.25, mango lemonade $5.25, and the Lola's latte, an espresso drink with horchata-infused milk and rose essence, goes for $5.25.
Regenerate Boutique finds a front door
A few blocks away, Regenerate Boutique has already completed its move from 124 S. Webster St. to 143 W. Jefferson Ave., taking over the space left by Peace, a conscious-living boutique that closed after a 10-year run.
Owner Andrea Siracusano said the Webster Street side entrance confused customers for years. People mistook the shop for a doctor's office or the yoga studio upstairs. She and her sister Amanda Garcia, the store manager, had been eyeing a move for a long time.
The new space gives them roughly 1,000 square feet, up from 850, plus a front porch with outdoor tables and grab-and-go fresh pressed juices. Siracusano plans to keep the old Webster Street location for pop-up events including women's health talks, mahjong classes, and mom meet-ups.
Jefferson Avenue keeps churning
The two moves add to a busy stretch on Jefferson Avenue. Vuori, the California athleisure brand, opened at 110 W. Jefferson Ave. on June 5, replacing Eddie Bauer. Anderson's Toyshop at 111 W. Jefferson Ave. will merge back into Anderson's Bookshop in late July, freeing up another storefront. Downtown Naperville Alliance Executive Director Katie Wood said there is "active interest" in that space.
Business week ahead
Tuesday, June 30 — Naper Settlement Farmers Market season opener, 3–7 p.m., 523 S. Webster St. New partnership with market operator Bensidoun USA brings over 40 vendors. WDCB Jazz Night with Matt Shevitz Trio, 4–7 p.m. Free admission.
Pending — Naperville City Council to consider Taste Buds Kitchen's conditional use request for a cooking studio at 2603 Aurora Ave. near Block 59, following a unanimous Planning and Zoning Commission endorsement on Wednesday, June 17. No council hearing date has been posted; check naperville.il.us for the current agenda.
