Dave Guerin

River Grove Mayor David B. Guerin, a lifelong River Grove resident, successful business owner and proud Triton College alumnus, credits Triton College for providing him with the tools he needed to succeed.

From a young age, Mayor Guerin displayed an entrepreneurial drive. While still a student at East Leyden High School, he envisioned owning a local business. After graduating in 1996 and encouraged by his father, a Triton graduate, he enrolled at Triton College, where he gained both classroom knowledge and real-world experience.

“I opened an ice cream shop, Cock Robin, at 14th and Lake Street in Melrose Park when I was a Triton student,” he recalled. “I opened the establishment with my partner, Brock Leder, who is now the Public Works Director in River Grove.”

With a passion to be his own boss, Mayor Guerin went on to open Buddy’s Sports Bar and Pizzeria in Franklin Park, later expanding his ventures with the Underpass Restaurant & Lounge in Franklin Park in 2006—a neighborhood favorite. He describes Underpass as a great place for good food, wings and beverages at a reasonable price. The restaurant’s “best damn cheese fries” even earned a feature on the Emmy Award-winning TV show Chicago’s Best.

Beyond business ownership, Mayor Guerin felt a calling to public service and successfully ran for mayor of River Grove in 2016, eager to build on the potential he saw in the community nestled between Interstates 90 and 290.

“Triton truly helped me take my businesses and goals to the next level,” he said.

Mayor Guerin continues to champion the college’s role in equipping students for success and strengthening the local community.

“The Barber program is a huge addition to the college,” said Mayor Guerin. “There are many barber shops in River Grove. Students can obtain a Barber certificate and begin working in our town or even open their own barber shop. The opportunities are endless.”

He also highlights the broader potential in logistics and hospitality—industries where Triton graduates can gain valuable, adaptable skills that directly boost the local workforce.

“Every resident should attend Triton,” said Mayor Guerin. “It’s affordable and close to home. It makes sense to take advantage of it.”

In addition to River Grove’s high property value, new townhomes and thriving real estate market, Mayor Guerin views Triton as one of the town’s greatest assets – a high-value institution that brings pride and prestige.

“With so many degree and certificate programs, ranging from automotive to nursing, there is something for everyone,” he said.