NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Working to promote locally owned businesses throughout the community, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, launched his ‘57th Food Tour’ to highlight the importance of shopping, buying and dining locally.

“Small businesses and their owners are the lifeblood for our communities, and it is vital that we support them every chance we can,” Carroll said. “My hope is that our visits encourage local residents to get out and try wonderful new foods while exploring many of the unique restaurants our community has to offer.”

Carroll debuted his ’57 Food Tour’ to boost local restaurants and culinary entrepreneurs to help in their efforts to attract business. The first in his tour was Trattoria Oliverii, which offers gourmet Italian cuisine and catering services to larger events.

Carroll met with owners Katie Keefe and Ali Clark to discuss how Illinois can create a friendlier climate to new business and even create tax credits for businesses to build their enterprise and hire more people. Katie, a Northbrook native, is colloquially known as both the “Mayor of Northbrook” and “Kate the Great” given her deep ties to local residents and has been working at Trattoria Oliverii’s since its opening in 1991. Ali joins the team to offer her expertise with operating restaurants and ensuring a hospitable environment that keeps customers coming back.

“My goal with our food tour is to help promote our local businesses and give their owners a shoutout for their hard work,” Carroll said. “I look forward to my next tour, and hope that residents nearby will join me in supporting our local employers.”