The Roots of Little India: How Devon Avenue Became Chicago's South Asian Heartbeat
For Chicago's Desi community, Devon Avenue is far more than a commercial strip — it is living proof of what determined immigrants can build together, and this week two major outlets have turned their cameras and microphones back to that extraordinary story.
📻 WBEZ Explores How Devon Avenue Became the Heart of Chicago's Indian Community
WBEZ Chicago has produced a feature examining the history and evolution of Devon Avenue as the central hub for Chicago's Indian community, tracing the street's transformation into one of the most recognizable South Asian commercial and cultural districts in the United States. The story captures the decades-long process through which Indian immigrants turned a North Side street into a destination that now draws visitors and residents from across the metro area and beyond. The piece reflects WBEZ's ongoing commitment to documenting the stories of Chicago's diverse immigrant communities and their lasting contributions to the city's character. It offers both long-time community members and newcomers a deeper appreciation of the avenue they walk every day. [1]
🏘️ ABC7 Traces the South Asian Community That Built Little India on Devon
ABC7 Chicago documented the personal stories behind Little India's creation, reporting that Devon Avenue's first Indian store opened in 1972 and that Patel Brothers — which became the largest Indian supermarket chain in North America — arrived on the street by 1974. Early community members recalled arriving in Chicago to find no Indian restaurants, no Indian grocery stores, and no established social network, and described how the community built itself around hospitals and universities before gravitating to Devon. The report also highlighted that Chicago's South Asian community extends well beyond Devon, with temples, mosques, and seven prominent community centers spread across the city and suburbs. Organizations including the Indo-American Center and the Hamdard Health Center were cited as pillars of community support serving immigrants, refugees, and residents with services ranging from free meals and legal aid to physical and mental health care. [10]
Sources: [1] WBEZ Chicago · [10] ABC7 Chicago