Wahlburgers
Wahlburgers closed its St. Charles location at 825 S Randall Road on June 29, 2026 due to lease ending. Franchisee Ed French is planning to reopen at a new location in St. Charles in the near future. No specific address or opening date has been announced yet. This was the only Wahlburgers in Illinois.
Jackson’s Ultra Lounge
VIP cocktail lounge and dining concept from Hill Hospitality Group, founded by CTA train operator Kenneth Hill and his wife Christa. Located in the former Scout Waterhouse + Kitchen space at 1301 S Wabash Ave near the Field Museum. Will feature a DJ, dress code, brunch menu, and dinner entrees with a seafood focus. This […]
Angry Chickz
California-based Nashville hot chicken chain Angry Chickz is opening its first Illinois location in Aurora. The franchised location has no exact address yet. Grand opening date listed as ‘coming soon.’ Chain has 41 US locations. Known for Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and tenders.
Taan
Thai restaurant with Midwest inspiration replacing Gaoku Sushi in Humboldt Park. Owner Chanita Chayaluk trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Thailand. Menu will feature traditional Thai dishes with seasonal flavors. A wine bar is also being installed. Soft open planned for Aug. 17 for friends and family, with official service starting Aug. 20, 2026.
Volare
Volare, a nearly 30-year-old Italian restaurant concept based in Streeterville, is opening a new carryout-only location at 111 E Chestnut Street in the Gold Coast neighborhood. The carryout spot is expected to open around September 2026. The menu will feature pizzas, shareable plates, pastas, and desserts consistent with the existing Volare brand.
Everywhere Social Club
Queer-led bar and social club/listening lounge taking over the former Pasteur Vietnamese restaurant space in Edgewater. Will serve non-alcoholic drinks and host networking events. Co-owner Zach Walz confirmed lease was just signed and hopes to open in August 2026.
Sweet Moon Cafe and Bakery
Chicago-based cafe specializing in Eastern European, Slavic and American breakfast food and desserts, known for honey cakes, syrniki, solyanka soup, and omelets. Founded by Aigerim Mambetova and Marlen Alchinov in 2021. Opening a new location near the Wilmette Metra station in a storefront that previously housed Fuel Fusion restaurant. All menu items are made in-house, […]
Wok to Bowl
Bloomington-based Wok to Bowl restaurant is coming to Springfield, IL. This appears to be their first location in Springfield. Limited details available as article is primarily video content.
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, also featuring 104 residences, 23,000 sq ft of retail, and 300 parking spaces. Developers plan to secure building permits in early […]
19 South La Salle Street Hotel
32-room hotel planned as part of a $50 million mixed-use conversion of a historic 17-story office building designed by William Le Baron Jenney. Hotel will occupy the second and third floors. Also includes ground-floor retail and 175 residential units. Architect is James Plunkard. Permit approved (Job Filing Number: 101069926).