Stop n Dip, the latest business to open in downtown Elgin, is bringing new dessert options to the city in the form of crepes, fruit kabobs and gelato.
Among the menu options unveiled at the shop’s grand opening this week are crepes covered or filled with such options as Nutella and chocolate and marshmallows, mini cream puffs, fruit kabobs drizzled in milk, dark and white chocolate — even crepe fettucini.
“We selected this type of business to bring something new to downtown,” said owner Mohanned Alali, who opened the store with business partner Belal Baninaser.
“Elgin is ready for something new. We’re glad to welcome you,” said Jennifer Fukala, executive director of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, at the grand opening event Wednesday.
In addition to sweet treats, the store also sells Turkish coffee, chai tea, latte in flavors like pistachio or pumpkin spice, fruit drinks and milkshakes.
Among the specialty desserts is a pistachio fettuccine made from a crepe cut up to look like pasta, topped with a scoop of pistachio gelato, a pistachio spread and white chocolate.
Stop n Dip is the sister business to Shawarma Stop, also owned by Alali and Baninaser, a restaurant that opened in June. Both are located at 13 Douglas Ave.
Shawarma Stop has been doing well since it opened, Alali said, and has started doing catering for area businesses and organizations.
“It’s very good. We are growing very fast,” he said.
Octavius Kemper and Chris Banks were at Shawarma Stop when they noticed people gathering for Stop n Dip’s grand opening. Banks said he likes the restaurant, and the two eat there regularly.
When an employee offered them a sample of gelato, Kemper tried the coffee-flavored Italian ice cream while Banks sampled banana.
“It’s amazing,” Kemper said.
Banks said he is glad to see more restaurants opening downtown, which will bring more people into the area.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
