Bally’s Chicago
Bally’s Chicago is a $1.7 billion permanent casino complex in River West (former Tribune printing plant site). Plans include a 500-room hotel, 3,000-seat theater, 10 restaurants, food hall, events center, and 4,000 gaming positions. Hotel construction is currently paused due to a VGT dispute with the city of Chicago, but the gaming portion remains on […]
Bally’s Chicago
Bally’s $1.7B casino development along the Chicago River (former Tribune printing site) includes a hotel tower, events center, and restaurants. Construction has slowed on non-gaming amenities due to dispute over city’s legalization of video gambling terminals. Casino opening remains targeted for early 2027; hotel and other amenities face uncertainty. 30-acre redevelopment; casino topped out in […]
Chianti’s
Chianti’s, a long-standing Italian carry-out spot in Geneva, IL, is adding a sit-down restaurant at their current location at 321 Stevens St, Suite N. Owners Jeff and Sherry Woods are moving forward with the expansion this year. No confirmed opening date yet. The restaurant has been in the Geneva area for over 30 years serving […]
2050 Dining
New dining and drink concept from NPK Hospitality (operator of Radius music venue) coming to Logan Square neighborhood. Liquor license application submitted for ‘consumption on premises’ license. No opening date announced yet. Located on south side of N Milwaukee Avenue across from Concord Music Hall.
Bayt Al Mocha
Michigan-based halal coffee and brunch franchise proposed for downtown Chicago. Two university students are seeking to open the first Illinois location, describing it as a premium 100% halal brunch restaurant with authentic Yemeni coffee. Address not yet confirmed. Over $100,000 invested; still seeking additional investors. Opening targeted for 2026.
Slim & Husky’s Pizza
Nashville-based pizza chain opening its first Chicago location at Pullman Park development at 111th Street and I-94. Founded in 2015 by Derrick Moore and EJ Reed after their time at Tennessee State University. Currently has 11 locations in Tennessee and Georgia. Former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is coming on as an investor. Menu […]
Kermess
Kermess is a cabaret dinner show theater concept from Circensia Entertainment Group (Miami-based production company). Located on the 13th and 14th floors of the Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop in the Theater District. Will feature original live shows, full dinner menu, and cocktails. This is Circensia’s first Chicago-area project. Interior is currently under construction. Menu finalized […]
Soul & Smoke
Soul & Smoke, a Chicago-area barbecue brand, is opening its first full sit-down table service restaurant in Evanston, IL on September 1, 2026. The 175-seat restaurant is located at 1601 Payne Street inside a historic building that formerly housed Robinson Bus Company. Owned by chef D’Andre Carter and sommelier Heather Bublick, the restaurant will feature […]
Krema Patisserie
New French pastry shop concept from Krema Coffee Roasters, affiliated with their existing Chicagoland coffee locations. Will occupy a building currently housing Benzie Design craft store at the northwest intersection of W 143rd Street and Lincoln Highway. Menu and opening date not yet confirmed. Owner Kacie Wadycki was unavailable for comment.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is planning to open at 16336 Boulevard Place in Plainfield, IL as part of The Boulevard Development near Interstate 55. This will be the chain’s third Chicagoland location. A liquor license approval is pending and no opening date has been determined. Construction status has not been revealed by the company.