Wasai BBQ
All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue concept on the second floor of a Chinatown building, formerly Won Kow restaurant. Menu features raw meats (chicken, pork, beef), bulgogi, pickled dishes, beer, and Korean sake. Owner Dafu Wei is a local sushi chef opening his first concept. Liquor license application has been submitted. Owner hopes to open beginning of June […]
Chez Poulet
French-themed rotisserie chicken carry-out concept from brothers Nicolas and Oliver Poilevey, owners of Le Bouchon. Located in Bucktown, replacing the former Taqueria Chingon space. Menu focuses on rotisserie chicken dishes, bread from Mindy’s Bakery, and includes a wine shop in the back. Owners stated they hope to debut in approximately six weeks from article date […]
Jim’s Original
Chicago Maxwell Street staple Jim’s Original is relocating from its UIC location at 1250 S Union Avenue to 551 W 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood. Owner Jim Christopoulos is hoping to debut the new spot in fall 2026. The new location will feature the restaurant’s signature Maxwell Polish sausage sandwiches, pork chop, chicken breast, […]
Encanto Coffee
Mexican-inspired coffee shop and cafe concept from local owner Jessica Jaime. Menu will feature lattes, cafe de olla, teas, Mexican hot chocolate, refreshers, and authentic Mexican pastries. Space will have multiple rooms for brewing and socializing. Owner hopes to open in summer or fall 2026 but has not set an official date. Currently in early […]
Tilly Bagel
Third location of Chicago-style bagel shop Tilly Bagel, opening summer 2026 in Lakeview near W Belmont Avenue. Business permit received in April 2026, kitchen installation underway, interior nearing completion. Signage is up. Founded by Hannah Tillett and Mike Banaszak. Serves plain, everything, sesame, cheesy garlic, cheddar, and cinnamon bagels plus bagelwich sandwiches.
Jerk Yard
Fourth location of Jamaican cuisine concept Jerk Yard, serving jerk chicken, rasta pasta, and yard specials. Located in Plaza West Shopping Center. Owner David Clausell targets opening around June 19, 2026. Location features an outdoor patio. Construction is currently underway.
Honest Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Franchise location of Honest Indian Vegetarian Restaurant opening at 145 W Townline Rd in Vernon Hills, IL. Operated by franchise owners Jay, Lisa, Devendra, and Siddarth Patel. Soft open targeted for end of May 2026 (pending permits); grand opening ceremony planned for August 15, 2026 (India’s Independence Day). Fast-casual vegetarian Indian concept with fresh, non-frozen […]
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
First Illinois location of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill fast-casual Mediterranean franchise. 2,500 sq ft, seats ~75 guests, indoor and outdoor dining. Owned by mother-daughter team Carolyn and Diala Michael. Grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for May 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. with 15% of sales donated to Northern Illinois Food Bank.
7 Brew Coffee
7 Brew Coffee drive-thru-only location approved for Randhurst Village at former Steak n’ Shake site. Village board granted conditional use approval on May 5, 2026. Plans include doubling drive-thru lanes to accommodate up to 48 vehicles, converting interior for kitchen/storage use. Renovations include updated branding, new signage, and minor elevation changes. Expected to open summer […]
The Copper Dome
The Copper Dome is a lounge and speakeasy planned for the basement of the Hobbs Building, beneath Kai Modern Japanese Kitchen. Named after the historic onion dome of the building, it will offer drinks and small plates from the three upstairs restaurants. Could open by end of June 2026 according to co-owner Ananthapadmanabhan. Part of […]