12/04/2025
Support small business! Shop local!
Today, our hearts are heavy. Duneland Distillery, an incredibly unique and beloved part of our community, announced they are closing their doors. We’ve shared so many good memories with their team, and seeing a local business say goodbye is devastating. However, it is also a reminder of something that many may not see: small businesses in the Duneland area are struggling more than ever this year.
The truth is, most of us put on a good face. We smile, we post the highlights, we celebrate the wins … but behind the scenes, the reality is often much harder. Many small businesses only announce their struggles the day they close, and by then it’s too late for the community to help.
At Tethan’s, people often assume we’re larger than we are, some even think we’re a franchise. But behind the counter, behind every chocolate bar and event, it’s just our family of four, Jennifer, David, Landon, and Lorelei (and now our two amazing interns from CHS, Lucy and Mia). While this year has brought some incredible moments like our Holiday Train event and limited edition bars, it has also brought challenges that, in many ways, have been harder than our first year opening in the middle of COVID.
Rising ingredient and product costs, cancelled town events and markets, and slower foot traffic are all major factors this year along with trying to balance raising our kids, the still necessary day job(s), and maintaining our mission of making life a little sweeter.
Please know we are not sharing this for sympathy. We share it because transparency matters, and because many of the small businesses you love may be fighting battles you never see. We share it because your support–every visit, every purchase, every review, every recommendation–truly makes a difference.
For every $100 spent at a small local business, an average of $68 stays right here in our community.
That money pays local employees, supports local schools, sponsors local events, helps other small businesses, and keeps our towns vibrant, unique, and full of life.
The same $100 spent at a national chain keeps only $43 locally and online often $0 remains in the community.
Small businesses are what make Duneland such a special community. They’re the heart of our towns, the places where we make memories, where we know each other by name, and what we strive to hold on to, where community still means something.
Below is just a small list of friends, partners, and fellow dreamers – businesses we’ve come to know and love in our five short years here. They may not all be struggling, or say anything about having a rough year, but every one of them appreciates your support more than you know. (We've tagged as many as Facebook will allow us to).
Chesterton Toys • Duneland Station Deli • Trackside Coffee • Val's Famous Pizza and Grinders • Chelle's Boutique & Garage • Running Vines Winery • Red Cup Cafe • The Gold Depot II • O'Gara and Wilson, Booksellers • Mission: Escape • Pizza Terra • South Shore Tattoo (Nic Bender Art) • Willow • Octave Grill • Evexia Salt Cave & Spa • George’s Gyros Spot • Village Tavern • Yesterday’s Treasures • 219 Taproom • Joe’s Bread • Wagner’s • Cheers! In Chesterton • Duneland Pottery • Whistle Stop Bar & Grill • Ruff Luxury Inn • Olivezia • Lucrezia • Speakeasy at the Spa • Lia’s Bella Cucina • Craft House • Trusty Spot Records & Tees • Three Wicked Apples • The IN Coast • 4th Street Theater • Chesterton Art Center • Chesterton Feed & Garden • Flower Cart • Joe’s Downtown Tacos
These businesses make our community special. They make our towns worth living in and every single one of them feels your support.
So today, we ask just one thing:
Take a moment and think about your favorite local small business … and imagine if it wasn’t here anymore.
If that thought makes your heart sink even a little, consider supporting them this holiday season. Stop in. Say hello. Make a small purchase. Leave a review. Share their page. It all matters more than you realize.
Please feel free to comment below with your favorite Duneland small business. Let’s celebrate them, lift each other up, and remind our community how much these places mean.
Thank you for being part of our story and showing up for us and for all the small businesses in Duneland.
From our family to yours, Thank You
