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 […]
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 […]