Woodlawn Central Hotel
160-room hotel tower as part of the multi-phase Woodlawn Central development in the Woodlawn neighborhood. The hotel is one of two towers rising 160 feet atop a three-story podium, designed by Gensler for the Apostolic Church of God. The hotel tower will include two food and beverage outposts, lobby, and shared amenity deck. Phase one […]
1901 Project Hotel
A 180-key hotel is included in the first $500-million phase of the 1901 Project, a $7-billion mixed-use redevelopment of 55 acres around the United Center arena on Chicago’s West Side. The project is headed by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families (owners of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks). McHugh Construction is the general contractor; Cullen Construction […]
Pour Decisions
Pour Decisions is a coffee shop and bakery transitioning from a mobile/at-home operation to a brick-and-mortar location at 2450 W IL-17 in Kankakee, IL. Owner Meagan Ferris is hoping to open by mid-July 2026. Menu includes espresso drinks, milkshakes, gourmet cookies, cakes, muffins, cinnamon rolls, breads, and a gluten-free/sugar-free menu. The interior bar is currently […]
Blackberry Market
Blackberry Market, a suburban café and bakery chain founded in 2012, is opening a new location in Oak Park’s Arts District, taking over the former Buzz Cafe space. The café will serve breakfast, lunch, coffee, baked goods, and grab-and-go meals. Known for oversized cinnamon rolls and scratch-made pastries. Will feature indoor seating and outdoor patio. […]
Spot Bistro
Owner Letita Rogers is planning a second location of Spot Bistro at The Re-Up development at 1158 W 59th Street in Englewood (West Englewood neighborhood). The new location will focus mainly on breakfast items. The development is replacing the former Leon’s Bar-B-Q space and is a two-floor headquarters for R.A.G.E., a community development organization. Groundbreaking […]
Ellwood Steak & Fish House
Ellwood Steak & Fish House is proposing a second location at 180 W Washington Street in downtown Oswego, IL, at the base of The Reserve at Hudson Crossing apartment complex. The restaurant’s president Chirag Amin hopes to open by October 2026. The project is still in the proposal review stage and construction has not yet […]
Mariscos La Costa
Mexican seafood chain specializing in Nayarit-style coastal cuisine (mendigo seafood broth, shrimp and cheese empanadas, fish tacos, cocktails). This will be the chain’s third Chicago location. Co-owner Jose Covarrubias indicated no firm opening date but estimated approximately one month out from article date (June 15, 2026). Currently under construction.
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is opening at the ground floor of AmTrustRE’s office tower at 1 E Wacker Drive in The Loop. The cafe is expected to open sometime in the second half of 2026. Currently working on permitting. The concept was founded by Michael Schultz and has multiple locations in the Chicago area as […]
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Tropical Smoothie Cafe opening a new Logan Square location at 2620 N Milwaukee Ave, directly across from the Blue Line station. Franchisees Cesar Coronado and Marion Sullivan, who already operate 11 locations in the Chicago area, will own this cafe. Grand opening features 50% off orders and 10,000 free smoothie giveaways. Menu includes made-to-order smoothies, […]
Palmyra
New summer-centric restaurant concept opening in place of former Next Mex. Will serve burgers, wings, and craft beer. Owner Greg Karellas has previous restaurant experience as minority owner of Hawthorne’s Backyard in West Chicago. Located at the base of the Front Street Lofts development. Expected October or November 2026 opening. No website or social media […]