When Om and Uma Arora first set foot on Chicago’s Far North Side in January 1973, Devon Avenue was a quiet, predominantly Jewish street. Today, that same stretch—spanning from Seeley to California avenues—has become the beating heart of the city’s Little India, a mile‑long corridor of Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, Bangladeshi, Rohingya and Afghan businesses.
Family Roots and Entrepreneurial Spirit
The Aroras, originally from Delhi, used the Yellow Pages to locate where most Patels lived and chose the intersection of Devon and Western avenues to open their first shop. Over the past 53 years they have expanded into clothing, appliances, a travel agency and, most recently, the Indian apparel store Uma Sarees at 2541 W. Devon Ave. Their daughters, Nina and Tina, grew up helping after school, embodying the family‑first ethic that still drives many storefronts along the avenue.
A Hub for Immigrant Success
Long‑time resident Faraz Sardharia, who is of both Pakistani and Indian descent, recalls riding his bike to his father’s restaurant, Lal Qila, as an 11‑year‑old. “Devon was always a great place for immigrant families to start their lives,” he says, noting that the concentration of shops, services and cultural institutions provided a supportive ecosystem for newcomers.
Entrepreneur Mita Shewakramani, who grew up on Devon and now runs Regal Jewels (2625 W. Devon Ave.) and Sari Sapne (2623 W. Devon Ave.), adds that the street’s diversity has never been static. “Devon has never just been one thing; it’s constantly evolving,” she observes, highlighting the continued presence of a robust Jewish community alongside the South Asian influx.
Generational Continuity and Adaptation
Second‑generation owners like Mohammed Junaid of Sabri Nihari (2502 W. Devon Ave.) and Deepak Chandani of NP Jewelers (2647‑49 W. Devon Ave.) stress that Devon remains the launchpad for families seeking jobs and a foothold in America. “When you go to Devon, this is where you’re going to find a job, a small house, a startup point,” Junaid explains.
Even as some families have moved to the suburbs, many remain committed to the avenue. “The newer generation is still curious. Devon will flourish—it’s not going anywhere,” says Uma Arora.
Modern Touches and Community Vision
Younger entrepreneurs such as Sneh Sukhadia, sixth‑generation owner of Sukhadia’s Sweets and Snacks (2559 W. Devon Ave.), are expanding their reach through farmer’s markets and themed merchandise, hoping to attract a broader audience while preserving traditional flavors.
Community advocates like Sardharia are pushing for decorative arches along Devon, similar to the iconic arches in Humboldt Park’s Paseo Boricua, to draw more visitors and celebrate the street’s multicultural heritage.
Challenges and Hope
While foot traffic has dipped for some retailers, owners remain optimistic. Chandani notes that Devon is still a place where people can “buy tea, walk around, talk in Hindi as loud as you want.” The avenue continues to serve both longtime residents and tourists seeking authentic South Asian cuisine, clothing and cultural experiences.
As suburban South Asian populations grow, the hope is that Devon Avenue will remain a vibrant gateway for newcomers, preserving the legacy of families who first arrived decades ago and ensuring that the street’s unique blend of faith, family and entrepreneurial spirit endures for future generations.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
