In 2006, Madison Dearborn Partners LLC Chairman John Canning told the Tribune that he'd love to see his son, then a chef in Boston, return to Chicago to start his own business.
The private-equity executive has gotten his wish.
Tim Canning, 34, has opened Lemon Tree Grocer about 100 yards from the Main Street Metra stop in Downers Grove. The high-end market has more than 40 full- and part-time workers, including a butcher who can work his way through a whole cow and explain cuts of beef. It's the first business that the younger Canning has started.
"I decided to move back home to my family," he said.
Canning and his partner, Shaun Black, own most of the business, which cost more than $1 million to launch. Local chain Michael's Fresh Market has a small stake, as does an investor group. Canning's stepmother, Rita, is among the backers.
His dad isn't, but he did put Tim in touch with Chicago restaurateur Richard Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
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