Wholey Granoli
Breakfast and lunch restaurant opening in the former Dairy Barn building. Owner hopes to open in 6-8 weeks from permit approval. Village Board approved $165,000 incentive package ($40k grant + $125k loan). Project estimated at $365,000 total. Planned improvements include new kitchen hood, equipment, furniture, signage, and enclosed patio converted to three-season dining. Already operates […]
Woodlawn Central Hotel
160-room hotel planned as part of the $134 million first phase of the Woodlawn Central mixed-use development, backed by Apostolic Church of God. The 14-story structure includes two towers connected by a block-long base, with 104 residences, 23,000 sq ft of retail, and 3,500 sq ft of commercial space. Developers plan to secure building permits […]
7 Brew
7 Brew coffee drive-thru franchise confirmed opening a new location at North Riverside Park Mall. Franchise operator is Who Brew. No opening date announced; construction timeline still being evaluated. Menu includes hot/cold brew coffees, energy drinks, fizz drinks, teas, lemonades, and shakes.
Blind Hog BBQ
New BBQ restaurant planned for 2245 S Eastwood Drive in Woodstock, IL, at the former Porkies Pig Roast location. Menu includes brisket, pork ribs, turkey, pulled chicken, pulled pork, wagyu bologna, sausages, sandwiches, mac bowls, baked beans, and sliders. Located in a plaza with Woodstock Harley-Davidson. Estimated opening is sometime in August 2026.
Goods Parlor and Sound
Listening bar concept from Aaron Bertucci and David Meihaus, two music industry veterans. Plans include in-house DJ spinning vinyl records, dedicated DJ events, listening sessions, and eventual vinyl buying/selling. Cocktail menu in development with mixed drinks and sodas. Currently awaiting liquor license approval from the City of Evanston. Located near the Main Street Purple Line […]
Swig
Franchisees Derek and Michelle Hincks have signed a 13-unit deal to bring Swig dirty soda shops to the southwest Chicago suburbs, including Joliet, Crest Hill, Bolingbrook, and Naperville. These will be the first Swig locations in Chicagoland. The first location is expected to open sometime in August 2026. Shops will be approximately 800-850 sq ft […]
Burger Baron
Burger Baron is opening a new suburban location at 828 S Hicks Road in Palatine, IL, near the intersection of E Illinois Avenue. The Louckes family operates the Chicago location at 1381 W Grand Avenue. No official opening date announced but expected fall or winter 2026. Menu includes burgers, gyros, hot dogs, chicken, Italian beef, […]
Sushi Uni
Sushi Uni is opening its second Midwest location in the former Larry’s Diner space at the corner of Lockport Street and Van Dyke Road in Plainfield, IL. The Kansas City, MO-based restaurant offers sushi rolls, sashimi, hibachi-grilled entrees, noodle bowls, soups, Chinese favorites, and vegetarian options. Grand opening is set for July 21, 2026.
TruGolf Links
TruGolf Links flagship location at Romeo Town Center, 5,000 sq ft facility with upscale restaurant, full bar, four premium golf simulators, and entertainment. Plans to open Fall 2026. Regional Developer is Sharif Ali.
The 1901 Project Hotel
Phase One of the $7 billion 1901 Project near the United Center includes a new hotel (along with a music venue and parking garage). Groundbreaking occurred earlier in June 2026. The project is on the Near West Side of Chicago. Reinsdorf and Wirtz families hold controlling interest; Lukas and Samantha Walton acquired a minority interest. […]