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, […]
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 […]