Alano Ristorante
Italian concept restaurant from Chris Elsey (former 30-year managing partner at Francesca’s Restaurants) opening in the former Salero’s Pizzeria space. Menu will feature classic Italian items including pastas and pizzas, plus wine and spirits. Located in downtown Western Springs near Kirschbaum’s Bakery and the Western Springs Metra station. Elsey also operates Hillgrove Tap locations in […]
Players Beach Bar
Players Beach Bar is a beach-themed bar and food concept inside the new Players Sports Center sports facility in Logan Square. The venue features sand volleyball courts and a beachside lounge serving full food and drinks. The facility is operated by Players Sport and Social and Clear Skies Hospitality, which previously opened SPF Pickleball locations. […]
Phase Three Brewing
Phase Three Brewing is planning a new taproom location in Avondale, Chicago at 3057 N Rockwell Street, situated along the North Branch of the Chicago River. Co-founder Evan Morris indicated a wintertime debut (Q4 2026). A kitchen addition is planned for Q4 2027. The taproom will serve beers including New England IPAs, lagers, and imperials. […]
Alleyway Grill
James Beard Award-winning husband-and-wife chef duo Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark plan to open Alleyway Grill in early 2027 in the historic former Varsity Theater building. The Midwestern-themed restaurant will be located inside Bookman’s Alley with a hidden entrance, open seven days a week from brunch through late evening, offering pastries and coffee in the […]
Bally’s Chicago Casino Resort
Bally’s Chicago is a $1.7 billion riverfront casino resort currently under construction along the Chicago River. The new completion deadline is September 9, 2027 after a one-year extension was granted by the Illinois Gaming Board. When complete, the resort will include 500-room hotel tower, 3,300 slot machines, 173 table games, a 3,000-seat theater, six restaurants, […]
Kind Brew Cafe and Creamery
Drive-thru cafe and creamery coming to a former Bank of America building in Jefferson Park. Owner Brandon Grosz’s first concept, featuring coffee, tea, frozen custard, sandwiches, salads, pastries, smoothies, and avocado toast. Currently in early permitting process with no opening date set. Project has been in planning for approximately nine months.
Culver’s
New Culver’s franchise under construction at former Morris Kennedy School site. Features two-lane drive-thru. Building still needs to be demolished before construction can proceed; final city-level approvals are pending. Franchisees Jimmy and Nichole Smith also own the Winnebago Culver’s at 807 Cannell Puri Drive. Opening expected sometime next year (2027).
Unnamed Virtue Hospitality Concept
James Beard Award-winning chef Damarr Brown and Erick Williams (owners of Virtue Restaurant & Bar in Hyde Park) are preparing to open a new unnamed concept at 219 N Elizabeth Street in Fulton Market. This will be the sixth concept under Virtue Hospitality. The restaurant is described as warm, elegant, and soulful, honoring culture through […]
Just Hamburgers
Just Hamburgers, a Paxton-based burger joint, is opening its first expansion location in Monticello, IL near Monticello High School. Co-owner Todd Thorstenson expects to open by end of August 2026, with staff training in mid-August. The location will employ 12-16 people, hours will be 11am-7pm with no midday shutdown. Still pending health permits and finishing […]
Shake Shack
New Shake Shack location under construction at 2355 Troy Road in Glen Carbon, IL, adjacent to Panda Express at Orchard Town Center. Ground was broken within the last week of article publication and foundations are being poured. The 3,000+ sq ft restaurant will feature a drive-through and outdoor seating. Final plans were slated for approval […]