The Alley Cat
West Town dive bar from Tung & Cheek Hospitality featuring batch cocktails, beer-and-shot specials, and bar snacks. Located in former Takito Kitchen space with vintage decor.
Local Note
Intimate jazz club seating approximately 45 customers, serving cocktails only with no food. Open mid-evening Tuesday through Sunday, closing at 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 11 p.m. other nights. Located in downtown Evanston with entrance through alley system.
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Qdoba planning aggressive expansion with 15 Chicago area openings over next few years, 10 by end of 2027. Multiple locations with signed leases including Elmhurst, Bloomingdale, and Downers Grove. Part of plan for 100 annual openings by 2027 nationwide.
Bally’s Chicago
34-story Bally’s Chicago hotel and casino complex, part of $1.7 billion development project. Construction underway over Ohio feeder ramp.
Foundry Park Hotel
11-story hotel building with 180-200 hotel rooms, parking, and ground floor retail space. Part of the $1 billion Foundry Park redevelopment project by JDL Development and Kayne Anderson Real Estate. Building expected to stand 156 feet tall.
Bell Heir’s BBQ
Bell Heir’s BBQ is opening a new location at River Oaks Center mall, specializing in Southern dishes like smoked BBQ rib tips and buttermilk fried chicken wings. Owner has restaurant experience and takes inspiration from family recipes.
Thai Corner
Thai Corner is expanding to their second Illinois location in Lisle, replacing the former PoundCake Bakery. The owners started discussing the process with the village in February 2025 and will offer upscale dining with takeout and delivery options. Menu expected to mirror their St. Charles location with Thai entrees, curries, and noodle dishes.
Velvet Taco
Velvet Taco is expanding to Wicker Park with their fourth Chicago location, replacing the former Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya restaurant. A liquor license application was recently submitted.
Fathom
New bar from LaSchora Hospitality coming to Lakeview. Listed as a tavern in liquor license application. From the same group that opened Dorothy Downstairs in West Town. More information expected early next year.
Gia Mia
Italian restaurant chain expanding to Bolingbrook location in former Bar Louie space. Features hand-crafted wood-fired pizzas, salads, pastas, and chef-driven farm-to-fork concepts. Located in The Promenade Bolingbrook shopping center.