Have you noticed? It seems like increasingly, the Grinch is more popular than Santa during the holidays. A series of TikTok videos even explore this phenomenon, but Natalie Griffin, co-founder of Gerry’s Cafe in Arlington Heights, has her own theory:
A young Gerry’s Cafe patron runs up to greet the Grinch. (Photos by Bill Klaproth)
“I think the Grinch is special because he’s different from Santa and had a change of heart,” Griffin says. “He truly discovered the meaning of Christmas.”
And she should know. The Grinch turned up earlier this month at Gerry’s for the second year in a row, and once again the appearance was a huge hit.
“We had a line out the door and down the sidewalk,” co-founder Amy Philpott says. “Families came with their kids. Our guests came in dressed like the Grinch, in their jammies, their Grinch t-shirts, onesies, brought their Grinch stuffed animals and more. They just hung out and had an easy time relaxing and feeling comfortable.”
One of those who was unaware of the photo opp with the Grinch was regular Gerry’s patron, Fr. Charlie Bolser, a Viatorian priest. But even he received a hug and he couldn’t help but smile.
Unbeknownst to many, it’s Philpott who is the person behind the Grinch costume, and she clearly gets a kick out of bringing the larger than life character to the community every year.
“I started as the Grinch for the Rotary Santa Run back in 2010 and the Grinch has not missed a Rotary Santa Run since then,” Philpott says. “Over time, the Grinch has developed a bit of a following, visiting various businesses for photo opportunities, including Berry Yo frozen yogurt shop, Scratchboard Kitchen and Thrown Elements Pottery Studio, to name a few.”
But the Grinch draws the biggest reaction from customers — and staff — at Gerry’s Cafe, which Philpott opened in 2023 with co-founder Griffin, a former special education teacher. After opening in August of 2023, they rolled out a new event, “Photos with the Christmas Grinch” in December and were blown away by the response.
The Grinch first appeared at the Rotary Santa Run in 2010.
“The Grinch is playful and fun and all the kids love him,” Griffin adds. “Of course, our Amy Grinch is especially warm and kind and gives great hugs to all the little kids who run up to her with joy and glee!”
Perhaps these visits with the Grinch resonate so much with Gerry’s patrons because of its warm, inclusive atmosphere. After all, the coffee shop prides itself on providing a “community space where joy and acceptance are always on the menu.”
Folks at Gerry’s believe “every human should be included, valued and celebrated,” which is why they proudly employ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
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