Astor Club
Private supper club opening second location at historic Blair Mansion. Will be open all day for coffee in the morning and dinner with events in the evening like live shows. Different from their current Gold Coast location.
All Well
Contemporary and casual restaurant concept from chef Larry Feldmeier and Noah Sandoval (owner of Michelin-starred Oriole). Will feature five-course prix fixe meals, seating for 50, and full bar program. Moving into former Lola’s Restaurant and Bar space in West Loop.
Activitea
Coffee and tea shop opening second location in Gilberts suburb with drive-thru and dining seating. Building completion expected this year. Offers variety of teas, coffees, and pastries.
Pancheros
Mexican chain Pancheros planning two new Illinois locations in Princeton (summer 2026) and Sterling (fall 2026). Franchised by Mex Midwest, owned by Jeremy Music and Rob Bowers. Known for burritos, bowls, tacos and fresh-pressed tortillas.
Apothecary Cocktail Lounge
New cocktail lounge concept blending pharmacy science with craft cocktails, created by practicing pharmacist Eric Reid. Features medicinal-themed cocktail classifications and elevated bar food program led by Chef Jacquelyn Lord.
Fat Miilk Coffee
Second location of Vietnamese coffee brand Fat Miilk Coffee opening in a Naperville shopping plaza. Founded by Lan Ho who appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars. Offers specialty Vietnamese drinks, phin drip coffees, and egg coffee with signature custard-like foam.
Urbanbelly
Urbanbelly is moving from Wicker Park to Fulton Market location, serving Asian cuisine with items like Korean fried chicken edamame dumplings and ramen. Operated by Taratsa Hospitality Partners under Cornerstone Restaurant Group ownership.
Dos Toros Taqueria
Dos Toros Taqueria returning to Chicago at its original downtown Loop location, offering Mission-style burritos and Bay Area-style taqueria experience
Hotel Florence
Historic Hotel Florence in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood will be restored and transformed into a boutique hotel, dining destination and cultural/performing arts hub through a $100 million public-private partnership. The 1881 building will feature modern amenities while preserving historic structure.
Home2 Suites
111-room hotel as part of $126M mixed-use campus. Team is in talks with Hilton to flag the hotel as a Home2 Suites. Part of Technology Renewable Energy Command Center Global Campus for Youth & Families project.