Westlake Ace Hardware Acquires Chicago’s Edgebrook Ace Hardware

Westlake Ace Hardware will acquire the beloved Chicago Edgebrook neighborhood hardware store and continue its decades-long tradition of service.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 11, 2025) – Westlake Ace Hardware announced today that it has agreed to acquire Edgebrook Ace Hardware, a family-owned retailer based in Chicago, Ill. 

The 8,700 sq. ft. store, located at 5423 West Devon Ave., will keep its Ace branding and will retain much of its current product mix and personnel. It is anticipated that the acquisition will be completed on June 1, 2025. 

The Edgebrook location has served the northwest Chicago community as a hardware store for several decades. Mary Beth and Lou Manfredini purchased the hardware store in 2005 and rebranded it as Edgebrook Ace Hardware. 

“This store is more than just a place to buy paint, tools, nuts, and bolts – it’s a trusted resource where neighbors find solutions, guidance, and a helping hand, always with a smile,” said Mary Beth and Lou Manfredini. “We are deeply grateful to our customers and are thrilled that Edgebrook Ace will continue serving the community under Westlake Ace’s leadership.”

The sale also marks the retirement of longtime store manager Ed Coren and his wife Sue, front-end manager. The Corens, who began working at the store nearly 40 years ago, have become beloved fixtures in the community.

“For the past 20 years, Lou and Mary Beth Manfredini have continued the decades-long tradition of steadfast community support and service at Edgebrook Ace,” said Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings, the parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware. “It’s an honor to carry on their legacy. We look forward to showing our new friends, neighbors, and customers in Edgebrook how we live the Ace Helpful Promise daily through world-class service, helpful advice, and the leading products they need to get their projects done right.”

Westlake Ace Hardware also owns Buikema’s Ace Hardware, a seven-store chain in the Chicagoland.