Category Archives: Local Business Spotlight

Shawnee county has some great local businesses, and we’ll review and spotlight them from time to time.

Making a Documentary – C. W. Porubsky Deli & Tavern

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Have you ever visited C.W. Porubsky Deli & Tavern located at 508 NE Sardou in the Little Russia neighborhood of North Topeka? The deli opened more than 60 years ago and has survived floods, fires and recessions, all while being owned by the Porubsky family. And it’s known nationally and internationally for their chili, hot pickles and cold cuts.

To honor Porubsky’s story and all of its history, several groups in town have joined together to film a documentary about the deli. The full-length feature film will premiere in Topeka in late 2009. Check out a preview of here:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWtpM4AdKEc

Please help fund this piece of Topeka history by making a tax deductible donation at the Topeka Community Foundation and selecting the Porubsky Documentary Fund. All proceeds generated by the documentary will be donated to the local arts organization, ARTsConnect.

People/Companies involved in the production of this film include:
Matthew Porubsky & Leah Sewell – writing the screenplay
Gizmo Pictures – filming, producing & editing
Jeff Carson & Greg Ready – Executive Producers
Justin Marable – creating original artwork for the poster and DVD cover
Dan & Sam Billen – creating the original soundtrack
Kansas Humanities Council – Humanities & Heritage grant

For  more information visit the C.W. Porubsky’s – Transcendent Deli Facebook Fan Page and become a fan. Or click here to download the Film Proposal which includes the history of the deli, specifics about the content, timeline and budget, as well as, how it will benefit the Topeka community.

Free Fudge Thursday

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I’ve previously posted about my love for Hazel Hill and got several comments from other fans, so I thought I’d pass along this email I received (I am on their mailing list):

Customer Appreciation Day – Thursday, March 26th

Please accept a Free full slice of fudge with any purchase this Thursday so show our appreciation for supporting Hazel Hill Chocolate Traditions.

Last year we gave away 98lbs. of fudge.
We are hoping to raise that to 150lb this year.

You can visit Hazel Hill at 724 S Kansas Ave. They are open 10:00 – 8:00 on weekdays and 10:00 – 6:00 on Saturday. Don’t forget to stop by on Thursday and pick up a free slice of fudge if you get the chance … I know I will!

Local Business Spotlight: A Topeka Holiday

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As people are scurrying around, trying to find the perfect present for that someone special in their life, I thought it might be appropriate to highlight some of the fantastic local gifting options I’ve found, offered by some of Topeka’s best small businesses:

  1. Hazel Hill Chocolate – Everyone loves great chocolate, and it doesn’t get any better than Hazel Hill! And, this year they’ve made it even easier to give the yummiest treats around by extending their fine offerings with online shopping.
  2. Hillmer’s – Check out all of their leather options. From gloves and wallets to handbags and luggage, everyone loves fine leather!
  3. Herman’s Meat Market – Not sure what to get for your dad, or maybe a hard-to-shop for uncle? Surprise him with a gift certificate or special cut of meat from Herman’s. This small meat market located at 2825 SW Fairlawn Road offers the best fresh meat options around.
  4. Marion Lane Candles – Check out these premium, handmade, scented candles or create your own! The fragrant SoyflowerTM candles burn longer and cleaner than traditional petroleum based waxes, meaning your gift recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness for weeks and months to come!
  5. Blush Boutique – Need to find a great gift for the fashionista in your life? Blush Boutique will have it! Located in Fleming Place at 10th and Gage, this super-chic boutique offers couture options and designer labels like Ed Hardy and Juicy Couture that will impress even the pickiest shopper.
  6. Wolfe’s – Cameras, camera accessories, camcorders and more are available at this downtown camera shop. Whether your needing to find the latest in the camera-world to make your favorite photographer happy, or you just want to have some excellent prints developed, Wolfe’s is your place!
  7. Gatekeeper Hobbies – Need to shop for a superhero? Gatekeeper is the place to be with a wide selection of comic books, card and role-playing games. They are located at 4123 SW Gage Center Drive in Suite 100.
  8. Dee and Mee Hobbies – This is the place to go if you’re looking for the perfect gift for an RC enthusiast! Offering more than just remote control aircraft, cars and trucks, Dee and Mee is the only hobby shop in town with their own grass strip flying field and off-road dirt track. Have an interest, but don’t know how to fly? Don’t worry, they can teach you!
  9. Manning Music – Got a budding (or long-time) musician to buy for? Consider giving them the gift of sound. Whether it’s a new instrument (rental or purchase) or repairing an old one, Manning Music will get you set. And they offer lessons too!
  10. Great Plains Running Company – You can’t overlook Great Plains Running Company if you’re shopping for a runner or health enthusiast! This specialty running and walking store offers a wide variety of shoes, clothing, gear and accessories that any hiker, runner, walker or yoga-ist would love.

There are so many great Topeka gift options to name, that I know I’ve overlooked some other fantastic small businesses. Please help me add to this list!