Australian-born fast-casual chain Guzman y Gomez is stepping up its Chicagoland game, lining up three more restaurants: a Lincoln Square spot at 4711 N. Western Avenue, a second Naperville location at 844 S. Route 59 and a Lakeview build at 925 W. Belmont. The company says the Naperville project is targeted for late 2026, with Lakeview on deck for winter 2027. The rollout comes as the brand brings in new U.S. leadership, part of a broader local expansion strategy.
As reported by Chicago Food Magazine, Guzman y Gomez has also tapped Joseph Devlin as marketing director, U.S., and Kathryn Fechner as head of catering. The outlet published a statement from founder Steven Marks: "At GYG, we’re not just opening restaurants, we’re building a long-term business in the communities we are present." The piece casts Chicago as a testing ground for the chain’s investments in operations, technology and the overall guest experience.
Naperville Permit Points to Ground-Up Build With Drive-Thru
City of Naperville records show a permit issued in February 2026 for 844 S. Route 59 covering a new freestanding Guzman y Gomez. The filing calls for demolition of the existing structure and construction of a roughly 2,668-square-foot, single-story restaurant with a drive-through lane and associated parking. Those details appear in the city’s Legistar and permit reports, which also outline the developer petition and Planning & Zoning review process. The scope described in the documents suggests the Naperville restaurant will be a standalone, drive-thru-capable outpost rather than an inline mall unit.
Chicago Openings Build on Recent Inroads
GYG has already been quietly growing its local footprint. The chain opened a Bucktown restaurant at 1624 N. Damen Avenue late last year and has been promoting local partnerships and promotions in recent months. The Bucktown debut was highlighted on the company’s newsroom, including Guzman y Gomez's blog. Neighborhood press also covered the opening, including reporting from Block Club Chicago. The planned Lakeview restaurant sits on a corridor that has seen several recent mixed-use projects, per local planning coverage, which could influence the timing and design of the build at 925 W. Belmont.
What Residents Can Expect
Neighbors in Lincoln Square, Naperville and Lakeview should expect the usual wave of construction notices, public hearings and job postings as permitting and buildout move ahead. As Chicago Food Magazine notes, the chain is leaning into catering and local operations as part of its longer-term play in Chicagoland. We will be watching permit records and community meetings for updated opening timelines and additional details as the projects advance.
