Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream is expanding into Illinois for the first time with a multi-unit franchise agreement covering Chicago suburbs of Elgin, Geneva/St. Charles, and Algonquin. Franchisee Castro Rafeedie, an experienced restaurant operator from Youngstown, OH, will develop the locations. First location slated to open late 2027.
Fat Tony’s
Tony Angeli, owner of Angeli’s Restaurant and Catering, is planning to open a hot dog and Italian beef sandwich shop called ‘Fat Tony’s’ in the former 7-Eleven space a few doors down from their existing restaurant at 1478 E. Chicago Ave. in Naperville. No specific opening date mentioned.
Brienzo’s Pizza + Bar
Third location of locally owned Brienzo’s Pizza + Bar opening at Blutowne Apartments in East Peoria. Features wood-fired artisan pizzas, craft cocktails, rectangular bar, self-service drink station, QR code ordering, game room, and the largest kitchen of any Brienzo’s franchise to date.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken fast casual franchise set to open late 2026 in Westlake Shopping Center at former Arby’s location on Sterling Avenue corridor. Location is getting a full transformation including signature colorful mural. Food-handling license application submitted to Peoria City/County Health Department. Chicago-based First Street Retail is the real estate agency involved.
Foundry Park Hotel
183-room hotel tower planned as part of the $3 billion Foundry Park megadevelopment on the former Lincoln Yards site in Lincoln Park. The hotel is part of Phase 1, which includes four main structures ranging 8-38 stories, retail/commercial space, office space, and 709 residential units. Developers JDL and Kayne Anderson are seeking construction financing next […]
1901 Project Hotel
A hotel is included in Phase 1 of the $7B 1901 Project mixed-use development surrounding the United Center arena. Phase 1 is valued at $500M and also includes a 6,000-seat music hall, retail space, two parking garages, and rooftop green space. The overall 55-acre project is led by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families (co-owners of […]
SILA MK Hotels
Mount Vernon City Council unanimously approved a redevelopment agreement with SILA MK Hotels, LLC for a new hotel on North 44th Street next to McAlister’s Deli. Project is TIF-backed via the newly created Frontage Road TIF District covering ~30 acres. Hotel brand not yet specified. No construction start date or opening timeline announced.
Hollywood Casino Aurora (new land-based complex)
New $360 million land-based casino complex replacing the riverboat Hollywood Casino Aurora. Features 226-room hotel, 1,200 gaming positions, 12,000-sq-ft event center, and multiple dining options including Sorella by Giada and Boulevard Food & Drink. Owned by Penn Entertainment. Opening June 24, 2026 pending Gaming Board approval.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Skokie
Stalled Homewood Suites by Hilton development at 4930 Oakton Street in downtown Skokie. Construction halted in 2023 due to litigation between general contractor Russell Construction and developer E&M Strategic Development over unpaid costs, compounded by a 2025 foreclosure after lender X-Caliber Capital sued for loan default. Village has met with 13 prospective developers, 7 still […]
1901 Project Hotel
A 180-key hotel is planned as part of 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 hotel is part of a phase that also includes a 6,000-seat music hall, retail space, and parking garages. McHugh Construction is the […]