Olive Garden
Olive Garden is planning a new larger-format location at Kendall Marketplace in Yorkville, IL. It will be the first sit-down restaurant in the shopping center, located near the current Target on the south end of the development. Opening is estimated for sometime in 2027. Site plans are under review.
Dream’s Pizza
Dream’s Pizza, a Chicago-style pizza chain with existing locations in Markham and Calumet Park, is expanding to a third location at Hazel Crest Center. Owner Mickey Banks has received the keys but does not yet have an exact opening date. The restaurant will serve build-your-own pizzas in sizes from small to family, along with pastas […]
Hello Kitty Café
World’s largest Hello Kitty Café opening at London House Hotel on Michigan Avenue. Two-level, 8,000-square-foot space with indoor and outdoor patio seating. Will offer Chicago-exclusive desserts and beverages, merchandise, and photo opportunities. Opening at 10am on June 26, 2026.
Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s has signed a second seven-restaurant development agreement in the Chicagoland area. A local entrepreneur signed the multi-unit deal to develop seven locations in the region. No specific addresses or opening dates have been announced yet. This follows a prior multi-unit agreement signed in 2025 and the opening of the first Chicago DMA location in […]
Good Ambler Bakery
Good Ambler, a Fulton Market café and bakery from 16″ on Center, is opening a second location at Two North Riverside Plaza (Chicago Daily News building) on June 22. The new location will feature a lunch menu and is led by executive pastry chef Meg Galus, a French-trained pastry chef with experience at Tru, Boka, […]
Chloe
New modern American comfort food restaurant with global twists, named after owner’s late dog. Coming to the first floor of 1 S Wacker Drive in The Loop, near the river walk and W Madison Street intersection. Will feature an outdoor patio. Concept targets Loop professionals with coffee window service and dinner offerings. Liquor license application […]
Wing Snob
Wing Snob franchisee Johnny Shabani is building a new location at 336 W Chrysler Drive in Belvidere, IL, near Rockford. Franchisee signed the lease in early 2026 and is targeting a mid-July opening. Construction is currently underway. The location shares a building with a Dunkin’. Wing Snob specializes in fresh (never frozen) chicken wings with […]
Pazzi Di Pizza
Elmhurst-based wood-fire pizza chain expanding to a third location in Bloomingdale, IL. Opening estimated for July 2026. Owner Ralph (Paul) Lappo is opening the new spot with his nephew Marco Lappo. Restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas, paninis, soups, and salads with authentic Italian cuisine. Previously occupied by Alcentro Trattoria, which closed in late 2025.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream franchise is coming to the Chicago suburbs with planned locations in Algonquin, Elgin, and the Geneva-St. Charles area. Franchisee Castro Rafeedie signed a multi-unit deal and expects the first location to debut by winter 2027. Specific addresses and firm opening dates have not yet been announced pending site selection.
Tous Les Jours
South Korean and French bakery chain franchised location opening at The Grove Shopping Center. Franchise owners Vatsal and Shruti Pathak are debuting their first Tous Les Jours location. Menu includes baguettes, chocolate-dipped Belgian waffles, custard buns, honey cheese mochi pancakes, pastries, sandwiches, and cakes. Owner Vatsal indicated a target opening around the Fourth of July, […]