The Ives
Contemporary American dining concept by Boka Restaurant Group with chef Chris Pandel, replacing Cherry Circle Room at Chicago Athletic Association hotel. Will serve breakfast, entrees, parlor snacks, seasonal cocktails and coffee.
Unique Sweets Cafe
Sweets business that gives opportunities for autistic adults is moving from pop-ups to a permanent brick-and-mortar cafe location. Currently seeking storefront likely in the Belmont corridor on the North Side. Will offer cafe items, coffees, teas, light sandwiches and pastries.
Momentum Coffee
Momentum Coffee is relocating their South Loop location to a new spot down the road at the former Burger Point restaurant space. Co-owner hoping to open first or second week of May 2026.
Billy Bricks Pizza
Billy Bricks Pizza, a 20-year-old chain known for Neapolitan and New Haven inspired pizzas, will debut a new brick-and-mortar location in downtown Oswego. The company operates 11 locations and is still determining when to break ground.
Mendocino Farms
Third Chicago location for the California-based sandwich chain known for signature sandwiches and fresh ingredients. Located in Fulton Market District next to Aba Mediterranean restaurant.
Hometown Coffee & Juice
Family-owned coffee and juice company opening their sixth cafe location at the Hinsdale Metra station. This will be their first venture in the western suburbs, offering espresso bar, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, and other cafe items.
Dumont Creamery and Cafe
National ice cream franchise opening in Block 59 development area. India-based company founded in 1999, first expansion into Illinois. Offers scoops, sips and brews with signature flavors including mint chocolate chip, festive cake, filter coffee and butterscotch.
Oberweis Ice Cream Scoop Shop
Oberweis ice cream scoop shop opening inside Giordano’s restaurant in downtown Naperville. First collaboration between the two Chicago-area brands. Grand opening features 99-cent ice cream for first 99 customers and donation to DuPage Children’s Museum.
Toko Hibachi Express
New hibachi restaurant offering hot food items in to-go only format, featuring seafood, steak, chicken and other high-quality fresh food options. Owned by Kevin Sukani who also operates Toko Sushi and Boba in Godfrey. Will operate 7 days a week, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Queen Yemeni Coffee
Yemeni coffee house replacing former Starbucks, serving traditional milk and cardamom-spiced coffees, sourcing beans from Yemen. Plans to stay open until 11 p.m. for late-night coffee crowds.