Turkish House offers imported and handmade items

By Joe Boyle

A new business has opened in Palos Hills that should attract coffee lovers everywhere.

The official grand opening for the Turkish House, 10703 S. Roberts Road, took place August 5 as the owners and employees welcomed local dignitaries and customers.

Balloons were up throughout the store and signs were posted outside indicating that the grand opening was taking place. Discounted prices were offered on many of the items.

Ayhem Abutahoua, son of the owners, said the business actually opened in June and they have seen a steady flow of customers since then. The business provides a variety of carafes and cups for coffee and tea, and a collection of items ranging from dishes, plates and seasonal products.

“This is our first brick-and mortar building,” Abutahoua said. “The majority of products are imported from Turkey but we also have handmade products as well.”

Ayhem’s mother, Sundus Abutahoua, is pleased at how the business has progressed since they opened two months ago. She is assisted by her husband and two daughters at the family-run business.

“We are very happy,” Sundus said. “Everything has been going well.”

Customers are greeted by a vast collection of Turkish products. Besides coffee carafes, cups and plates, the employees will listen to requests of customers who shop at Turkish House.

Products can be purchased at the store or online, Ayhem noted.

“We have a lot of glassware and people like the variety of cups,” Ayhem said. “We are always adding new stuff. We are always looking at other opportunities.”

On hand for the grand opening were members of the Palos Hills City Council, including Mayor Jerry Bennett.

“This is very nice,” Bennett said after entering the store. “I’ve seen a lot of these items on Facebook. This is very impressive.”

Also on hand for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting were Ald. Mike Price (1st), Ald. Donna O’Connell (5th) and Palos Township Assessor Robert Maloney.

Several customers have already commented on the items available at Turkish House. One customer said “this is a great place to buy a variety of Turkish kitchen ware.” Another customer wrote “the store has a variety of different tea sets and anything kitchen related.”

The Abutahoua family, who live in Orland Park, are pleased with the reception they have received from Palos Hills officials and residents.

“Everyone has been very nice to us,” Sundus said. “This is just a great community.”

While the store has a large collection of items, the Abutahoua family said they can provide more for customers. All they have to do is ask.

“We are always asking for suggestions,” Ayhem said. “We can look into other ideas. We are not locked into one thing.”

Turkish House also has seasonal items on sale. The business has images of pumpkins in advance of Halloween, for instance.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

More information about Turkish House can be obtained by calling 708-608-8868 or by visiting www.turkishhousestore.com.