Monica and Joe Branchik are framed by daughters Emma Rose, left, and Katelyn, right, with their beloved family canine Buddy during the Nov. 17 open house at their family business Katie Rose Boutique in Munster. – Original Credit: Photo courtesy of Katie Rose Bou (Photo courtesy of Katie Rose Bou / HANDOUT)
While none of my Thanksgiving holiday memories involve any Black Friday shopping escapades, I’ve always been a big supporter of the retail designation of “Small Business Saturday.”
Katie Rose Boutique, launched a year ago on Small Business Saturday 2021, is celebrating its one-year anniversary.
Owner Monica Branchik is one of the business pioneers of Centennial Village at the corner of 45th Street and Calumet Avenue in Munster, where her Katie Rose Boutique has remained one of the first retail anchors and features women’s designer clothing.
The boutique is curated by owner Branchik who carefully selects her inventory, which includes a collection of high-end brands. Some of the featured labels include Kendra Scott, along with Hatley, Kut from the Kloth, Renuar, Charlie B, NIC + ZOE, Bishop and Young, Liverpool Los Angeles and JAG.
“We try to elevate the shopping experience by featuring clothing that empower women to be confident and to express their unique styles,” Branchik said.
“And I’m excited we are starting to get other businesses moving in as our neighbors.”
One of the boutique’s newest neighbors is Rosebud Steakhouse, the latest addition to the Chicagoland franchise, which launched in 1973 when 26-year old Chicago native Alex Dana purchased a small eat-in space in Chicago’s Loop.
Today, there are nine locations, including three of the white tablecloth fine dining steakhouses. The Munster fine dining steakhouse location in Centennial Village opened last month under the guidance of owner and managing partner Steve Coppolillo of Dyer, who studied hotel and restaurant management at Purdue University Calumet. The Rosebud brand name is taken from the name “Bocciola della Rose” which is Italian for “bud of the rose.”
As for the name origin for Katie Rose Boutique, it was inspired as a loving tribute to Branchik’s daughters Katelyn and Emma Rose who I’m told visit the store whenever they’re not busy “tumbling, cheering or doing homework.” Visitors to Katie Rose are also often greeted by Buddy, the store’s ambassador golden retriever who strolls the shop entertaining young customers while moms peruse the racks.
On Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26, Katie Rose Boutique is offering an “enter to win” Anniversary Giveaway Basket that includes a $1,000.00 gift card to Katie Rose, two bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne, two corckcicle champagne flutes, a Kendra Scott gift set, a JEM MED SPA gift certificate, a Toluka Paperie & Gifts gift certificate, an Illume Fall Candle, and a private shopping party for up to 25 people hosted by Katie Rose.
I attended an open house at the shop earlier this month and its offerings span everything from seasonal scarves and gloves to fine jewelry and candles and décor in addition to the fashion selection. Branchik said men love the advantage of a special concierge service that includes birthday reminders, free gift wrapping and customer created wish lists to help find perfect gifts for wives, moms, friends and family.
During the open house, I got to catch up with Monica’s husband, Joe Branchik, vice president of marketing for Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, who previously spent a long stretch in the same vice president capacity for Horseshoe Casino in Hammond.
Katie Rose Boutique is located at 9610 N. Centennial Drive, Suite B, in Munster or visit them at www.katieroseboutique.com or call 219-515-0489. Hours are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Private appointments are available 9 a.m. to noon on Sundays.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@comhs.org.
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