Beverly Phono Mart, known affectionately as BPM, has quickly become one of Beverly and Morgan Park’s favorite creative hangouts. The name itself nods to its rhythm, doubling as a wink to “beats per minute,” the universal pulse of music.
Husband and wife Mallory McClaire and Chantala Kommanivanh, both proud Beverly residents, officially opened Beverly Phono Mart in August 2021. The idea came during the pandemic, when the couple often drove to record stores in other towns, only to find many closed. That experience sparked an idea to open their own shop, knowing there had to be other local music lovers doing the same thing.
For Chantala, opening a business in Beverly was about more than vinyl. A firm believer in supporting the community you live in, he saw the neighborhood’s walkability and small-town feel as the perfect fit. The store now enjoys steady foot traffic and a loyal crowd of regulars who stop by to browse, chat, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Music has always been a part of their lives. Chantala, the youngest of five boys, grew up listening to pop and hip-hop, later producing music for a rap group called Maintenance Crew from 2004 to 2013. He earned an undergraduate degree in Visual Arts from Northeastern Illinois University and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Mallory, who graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in English, grew up surrounded by her father’s love of soul and jazz. Together, their shared passion for music and community shaped the heartbeat of BPM.
Inside, the shop feels like stepping into a friend’s living room, filled with good music and creativity. Bare brick walls frame colorful artwork, global snacks line the shelves, and cozy couches invite visitors to relax and listen.
The store has built a reputation as one of the South Side’s coolest hangouts. It is not just a record shop but a cultural hub where people of all ages connect through music and art. Hip-hop and R&B are the top sellers, with pop and rock close behind.
Beverly Phono Mart reflects the neighborhood’s artistic and welcoming spirit. In a community known for its close ties, BPM opens the door even wider, inviting everyone to explore, listen, and linger.
Beverly Phono Mart is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
