Chophouse on Main
Chophouse on Main is a new steakhouse/burger restaurant opening in downtown Champaign, IL at the corner of Main and Neil Streets (2 E Main St), in the former Guido’s Bar & Grill space. The restaurant is a revival of the original Chophouse that opened in Mahomet in 2022 and closed March 2025. The new location […]
The Hoxton Chicago (Lakeshore East)
Magellan Development partnered with U.K.-based Hoxton for what would be Hoxton’s second Chicago hotel at 193 N. Columbus Drive (Parcel O) in Lakeshore East. The site is zoned for up to 239 hotel rooms along with 574 apartments and 10,000+ sq ft of retail. A South Korean investor (Hanwha Engineering & Construction) holds a stake […]
Jinsei Motto Cocktail Bar
Chefs Patrick Bouaphanh and Eric Blanck are planning a lunch and late-night cocktail bar in the downstairs area of their existing Jinsei Motto sushi restaurant. They also hope to convert the space into a Japanese-style cafe in the future. No opening date has been announced. Renovations downstairs are currently underway.
News Bar
Irish pub/tavern-influenced neighborhood bar concept coming to River North at 806 N Clark Street. Will serve classic cocktails, wine, beer on tap, sandwiches, and fries at ‘reasonable prices’. Currently under construction. Owned by Seth Blumenthal, who also owns Lemon cocktail bar in West Town. Targeting spring 2027 opening.
Just Salad
Just Salad signed a lease for a new location at 123 N Wacker Drive (ground floor, intersection of W Randolph) in The Loop. This will be their fifth Loop location. No specific opening date announced but expected to open sometime in 2026. Construction starting soon.
Salamone’s
Salamone’s, a popular pizza spot from Cherry Valley, IL, is opening a second location at 9901 Orlando St in Machesney Park (former Freddy’s Frozen Custard site). The space will be renovated to include more sit-down dining. The family-owned chain, founded in 1999 by Benny and Rosalie Salamone, plans to open late next year (2027). Menu […]
Alibi Coffee House
New coffee shop concept opening at the former Kuhn’s Delicatessen space in a plaza at the intersection of W Golf Road and S Elmhurst Road, near O’Hare International Airport. Co-owners Daniel Kurek and Erik Trojak are currently renovating and expect to open in approximately six weeks from article date (2026-07-22). The city of Des Plaines […]
La Nieta
New vegan cafe and market from Casandra Flores, owner of Abuelita Coco in Oak Lawn. Will serve sandwiches, baked goods, tacos, cold-pressed juices, and exploring seafood dishes like fish tacos and calamari. Will share space with Youma’s Kitchen and Beanokio Cafe. Opening anticipated about a month from article date (July 23, 2026); official date to […]
Naansense
Indian restaurant expanding from its Chicago location (178 N. Franklin St.) to downtown Elmhurst. Menu focuses on vibrant bowls, grilled kebabs. The space previously housed donut shops. Opening described as ‘soon’.
Dime
New downtown restaurant called ‘Dime’ planned for a restored 100-year-old former bank building at Lee and Ellinwood Streets in Des Plaines, IL. The $11 million interior restoration contract is pending city council approval (next meeting Aug. 3, 2026). Construction expected to take ~8 months after contract signing, with opening projected for late 2027. The 26,630 […]