Mercadito
Second location of Mercadito expanding from River North to Lincoln Park. Will serve upscale Mexican cuisine, breakfast items and drinks. Liquor license application recently submitted.
Unnamed Hey Che Hospitality Project
Hey Che Hospitality, led by chef John Manion and Alexander Cuper, is opening a new restaurant at the former Proxi space in West Loop. Details about cuisine and theme have not been revealed yet, and no opening date was provided when contacted.
Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club
New bar/speakeasy from Lettuce Entertain You coming to River North, joining Crying Tiger restaurant. Will serve wine, cocktails and cosmopolitans with traditional American speakeasy theme.
Fork & Coin
American pub-style restaurant with Asian influence coming to Portage Park. Will include supper club and special events through membership program. Focus on supporting culinary education. Team has been working on setting up the space for about two months.
Bresee Bar and Grill
New dining destination featuring Smash Burgers, wings, salads and house-made appetizers. Opens daily at 9am with coffee and donuts, kitchen hours 11am-9pm Sun-Thu, 11am-10pm Fri-Sat. Grand opening ceremony scheduled for April 1.
Applebee’s/IHOP
Dual-branded Applebee’s and IHOP restaurant combining menu items from both brands, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Will be open daily 6 a.m. to midnight with separate dining areas for each brand plus shared common spaces.
Gingie
Latest restaurant from Boka Restaurant Group replacing GT Prime in River North, featuring Japanese-influenced menu with handrolls, pastas, and steaks from Chef Brian Lockwood
Sorella by Giada
Italian-California fusion restaurant by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis, offering approximately 170 seats for indoor and outdoor dining, contemporary bar and private dining options, located within the new Hollywood Casino Aurora
EtChi
New Turkish fast-casual restaurant from Oromo Cafe owner Ed Duman, featuring slow-roasted grilled meats with stuffed vegetables prepared in a gas-fired stone oven. Located in former Market Square space in Lincoln Square.
Glow Coffee Studio
Mobile coffee trailer opening first brick-and-mortar location in Valley Plaza. Currently operates as traveling coffee trailer in Ogle County since December. Serves hot and iced coffee drinks, biscuits and gravy, and pastries.