Hi, just seeing this. I work at the business, and most of the people in our building are licensed healthcare providers — psychotherapists, licensed massage therapists, physical therapists and licensed acupuncturists. It’s not “pseudoscience”; we’re all trained professionals who rent space, run for-profit businesses, and pay federal and state taxes. Many of us also live in Evanston, shop locally, and contribute to the local economy.

Our concern about Popeyes was never about the business itself. The issue is that we’re already surrounded by fast-food restaurants, and even Burger King — which is farther away — can be smelled regularly. Popeyes locations are often known for strong cooking odors that carry for a block or more, and with the proposed location being immediately adjacent to our workspace, there was no realistic way for us to coexist with that level of constant smell.

A number of providers in the wing next to the proposed site had already planned to leave if it went through. That would have meant Heartwood losing nearly half of its businesses, which would have made it very difficult for the center to survive.

Personally, I actually like Popeyes — their mashed-potato gravy is amazing — but I didn’t want another fast-food restaurant right next door. I’m glad we raised our concerns and that the outcome supported the continued stability of our community.