More than 2,000 companies from around the world are exhibiting this week at the International Housewares Show at McCormick Place, but only one is listed as being headquartered in Evanston.
Collins Brothers, located at 2113 Greenleaf St., just west of Dodge Avenue, sells “everything for the liquor retailer except the liquor,“ according to company literature.
Established in 1934 at 5436 N. Clark St. in Chicago, the company has been located in Evanston since 1977. Within the past year, the company was purchased by a private equity firm.
It currently employs about 50 persons in Evanston, according to E. Shamus Hanlon, president and chief executive officer. Hanlon is an Evanston resident.
Serving more than 13,000 retailers nationwide, the company’s product line includes some 1,400 products, such as winged corkscrews and stainless steel cocktail shakers as well as mixers, olives, and garnishes.
Top: The Collins Brothers booth at McCormick Place