7 Brew
7 Brew drive-thru coffee franchise operated by franchise group Who Brew is under construction in Waukegan, IL near the Green Bay Road intersection. Menu includes hot and cold brew coffees, energy drinks, fizz drinks, teas, lemonades, and shakes. Target opening is end of June or early July 2026. Who Brew also has plans for additional […]
Hummingbird Bowls
Woman-owned fast-casual restaurant focused on healthy food including smoothies, bowls, and light bites. Founded by Amy Feldman, a third-generation Skokie resident with 25+ years in the natural food industry. Features a monthly community menu program where customers submit ideas and 100% of proceeds from winning items go to a selected nonprofit.
Tatsu Ramen House
Tatsu Ramen House, a family-owned ramen restaurant by Mongolian chef Erdane Sainnyambu, is planning a third location in DeKalb, IL — described as ‘sometime next year’ relative to the May 2026 article. The chef is currently in talks with multiple properties and no address has been announced. Existing locations are in Elgin (2490 Bushwood Drive) […]
Vasco’s Peri Peri
New Vasco’s Peri Peri location opening at Wheatland Marketplace shopping center in Naperville, IL. This is the fourth location for the Portuguese-Indian fusion fast-casual chain, personally owned by founder Samir Ajmeri and his wife. Menu features Peri Peri fried chicken, pitas, wraps, bowls, and platters. Owner is targeting a July 2026 debut.
Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken
Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken & Korean Food Restaurant is coming soon to Green Street in Champaign, IL. The international chain will serve Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, bulgogi, and other Korean dishes. No opening date has been announced yet.
Jimmy’s Authentic Chicago Style Food
Chicago-style street food restaurant specializing in Maxwell Street-style Polish sausage, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, jerk chicken, gyros, burgers, and wings. Open 10am-4am daily with drive-thru only after 10pm. Renovations complete, awaiting final inspection before finishing hiring and opening. Owner Adel Thabet has prior Chicago-style restaurant experience from Mr. J’s on Kishwaukee Street.
Prasino Cafe
Prasino Cafe, a Mediterranean and Greek-inspired restaurant known for salads, bowls, and wraps, has signed a lease for approximately 2,800 sq ft of river-level retail space at the base of Trump International Hotel & Tower. Owner Ted Maglaris cited proximity to river boat tourists and outdoor seating potential as key draws. The restaurant is expected […]
Roanoke Hospitality Restaurant & Bar
Prime Group subsidiary Roanoke Hospitality will operate an all-day lobby bar plus a restaurant and bar with outdoor seating on the 25th floor of the historic Jewelers Building. Rooftop dining under cupolas also planned. Construction begins fall 2026, with restaurant and bar concepts scheduled to open in 2027. Part of a $25 million renovation of […]
Top-Floor Restaurant (State Farm Building)
A Rockford developer, Urban Equity Properties, is converting the historic State Farm headquarters building on Washington Street in downtown Bloomington, IL into lofts, a top-floor restaurant, and a ground-floor food court/retail. The restaurant name is not yet specified. First phase of construction, which includes the top-floor restaurant, is expected to wrap up summer 2027. Building […]
Twisted Eggroll
Black-woman-owned takeout-only restaurant specializing in sweet and savory egg rolls (buffalo chicken, apple cheesecake, jerk chicken soul egg rolls). Will occupy a 6,500 sq ft building undergoing a gut rehab estimated at $1.5M. Features smart food lockers for pickup. City Council approved rezoning ordinance. Owner securing city permits to begin renovation. 6-8 month buildout expected […]