Tilly Bagel
Third location of Chicago-style bagel shop Tilly Bagel, opening summer 2026 in Lakeview near W Belmont Avenue. Business permit received in April 2026, kitchen installation underway, interior nearing completion. Signage is up. Founded by Hannah Tillett and Mike Banaszak. Serves plain, everything, sesame, cheesy garlic, cheddar, and cinnamon bagels plus bagelwich sandwiches.
Jerk Yard
Fourth location of Jamaican cuisine concept Jerk Yard, serving jerk chicken, rasta pasta, and yard specials. Located in Plaza West Shopping Center. Owner David Clausell targets opening around June 19, 2026. Location features an outdoor patio. Construction is currently underway.
Honest Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Franchise location of Honest Indian Vegetarian Restaurant opening at 145 W Townline Rd in Vernon Hills, IL. Operated by franchise owners Jay, Lisa, Devendra, and Siddarth Patel. Soft open targeted for end of May 2026 (pending permits); grand opening ceremony planned for August 15, 2026 (India’s Independence Day). Fast-casual vegetarian Indian concept with fresh, non-frozen […]
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
First Illinois location of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill fast-casual Mediterranean franchise. 2,500 sq ft, seats ~75 guests, indoor and outdoor dining. Owned by mother-daughter team Carolyn and Diala Michael. Grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for May 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. with 15% of sales donated to Northern Illinois Food Bank.
7 Brew Coffee
7 Brew Coffee drive-thru-only location approved for Randhurst Village at former Steak n’ Shake site. Village board granted conditional use approval on May 5, 2026. Plans include doubling drive-thru lanes to accommodate up to 48 vehicles, converting interior for kitchen/storage use. Renovations include updated branding, new signage, and minor elevation changes. Expected to open summer […]
The Copper Dome
The Copper Dome is a lounge and speakeasy planned for the basement of the Hobbs Building, beneath Kai Modern Japanese Kitchen. Named after the historic onion dome of the building, it will offer drinks and small plates from the three upstairs restaurants. Could open by end of June 2026 according to co-owner Ananthapadmanabhan. Part of […]
The Lumpia House (new location)
Owner Rolando Cabral (known as ‘Kuya’) mentioned a second restaurant endeavor in Springfield that is already under construction. No specific address or opening date provided. The existing Lumpia House is a Filipino restaurant on South MacArthur Boulevard. The new location is described as a separate expansion project.
Eagle’s Nest Family Restaurant
Bethalto approved a liquor license for Eagle’s Nest Family Restaurant, suggesting a new restaurant opening is imminent. Full article content was not accessible due to navigation/content loading issues, but the title indicates a liquor license approval for a new restaurant.
Wok to Bowl
Asian fusion franchise expanding to a new 2,587-square-foot location in a former Hardee’s space. Lease has been signed but no opening date announced.
Meso Cafe
New cafe concept opening at 570 E Oakton Street in Des Plaines, IL near O’Hare airport. Space is under construction at the northwest corner of S Wolf Road intersection, sharing a plaza with Chicago Ramen and a 7-Eleven. Former location of Crack N Crabz. Menu will feature coffees, teas, and dessert options. No opening date […]