New 'Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration' Store Coming Soon

Construction is nearing completion on the highly anticipated Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration, a nonprofit thrift store set to open in fall 2025 at 21420 S. Harlem Avenue in Frankfort, just south of Route 30. The new 9,000-square-foot store marks the second retail location for the organization, joining the original Bridge Thrift Store in Orland Park.

Both stores directly support the mission of The Bridge Teen Center, a nationally recognized nonprofit based in Orland Park, dedicated to providing free, holistic programs and events for teens in 7th–12th grade throughout the suburbs. The Bridge is a community-supported nonprofit that has served over 14,000 different local teens since 2010.

“We’re building more than just a store,” said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder and Executive Director of The Bridge Teen Center. “Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration will be a destination – a place where shoppers can find one-of-a-kind items and know their purchase is making a direct impact on the lives of local teens.”

A Thrift Store Like No Other

Like the original store, the new Frankfort location will offer a curated thrifting experience unlike any other. Shoppers can expect:

• Stylish furniture and home goods
• A live plant boutique called “Taking Root Plant Shop”
• A rotating Pop-Up Shop featuring local artisans and makers
• A dedicated jewelry section
• The ever popular “Antiques & Cool Junk” area
• A creative craft and repurposing section…and more!

The store will also be an additional location of The Bridge Teen Center’s Thriftastic Job Readiness Program, where students gain real-world work experience and leadership development. Unique to this location will be a first-of-its-kind Job Readiness and Leadership Training Center. Programs in this space will include vital hard and soft skill training that will benefit students for the rest of their professional lives, along with innovative “LeadU” leadership programs that were developed by The Bridge Teen Center to help young people discover who they were created to be.

“This is not a second teen center,” Steinmetz clarified. “All of our free teen programming will continue to take place at our Orland Park campus. The Frankfort store, however, creates a new opportunity to equip even more students with life-changing programming in a unique and thriving retail setting unlike any other.”

In the near future, the stylish 900-sq. ft. room (that will seat 25-30 people), will also be made available as a rental space for small gatherings. The space will feature banquette seating, a kitchenette, and A/V equipment for videos and presentations.

From Abandoned Shell to Community Anchor

The building, acquired in late 2022 with the support of generous donors, sat abandoned for over 30 years. Originally constructed in the early 1990s, the structure was just a shell with a dirt floor. Today, it’s being transformed into a modern, welcoming space for the community.

• Recent construction milestones include:
• Concrete flooring, donated in part by Ozinga Bros., Inc.
• Completion of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
• Painting with the support of Sherwin-Williams and Jondec
• A refinished and expanded parking lot
• The once-red brick exterior now painted a modern white with black and cedar accents
• Interior finishes with the support of many volunteers and businesses

Hiring & Welcoming Volunteers!

Hiring is currently underway to build the team at the future store. Paid positions include:

• Assistant Store Operator
• Floor Leadership
• Sales Associates (adult & student)
• Donation Sorters

Those interested are encouraged to visit thebridgeteencenter.org/jobs to view openings and apply. The store is also seeking dedicated volunteers to serve regularly. Interested individuals can visit thebridgeteencenter.org/volunteer to learn more and apply.

A Sustainable Future for Teen Programs

Each year, over $850,000 must be raised to keep The Bridge Teen Center’s programs free and accessible to local students and families. The Frankfort store will provide an additional sustainable revenue stream to support these efforts while offering an easy and impactful way for the community by supporting a local mission.

“This project is a massive undertaking, and we need the community’s help to bring it to life,” Steinmetz said. “Every dollar makes a difference to The Bridge and in the lives of the teens we are privileged to serve.”

How to Help

Community members can support the Frankfort project by donating online. Visit www.thebridgeteencenter.org/donate, click the PayPal link, and select “Frankfort Expansion Project” from the dropdown menu. For updates on the pre-opening donation drive, grand opening, and more, follow Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration on Facebook and Instagram.

“Be sure to follow us on social media and watch our website for additional details about upcoming donation drives to support and stock the new store,” said Steinmetz. “We will be seeking gently used furniture, home decor, and more to stock the shelves and open the store!”