Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the ribbon‑cutting at The L Station Chophouse's Old Town opening and streamed the ceremony on X. The new steakhouse adds a West North Avenue destination.

The USDA's FSIS issued a public health alert for certain Blackwing‑branded beef and pork produced without an official inspection mark; affected packages were shipped nationwide.

Health inspectors suspended the Lakeview restaurant's license after finding a rat infestation, black mold and unlabeled perishables. Penny’s says it will deep-clean and hire pest control.

Chicago’s Nutella Café on Michigan Avenue closed abruptly for renovations, and local coverage says no reopening date has been announced. The downtown staple opened in 2017.

A Lakeview cocktail lounge from pharmacist Eric Reid will open in May with medicinal‑themed cocktails, seasonal small plates and a strong nonalcoholic program.

Rivers, the long-running riverside restaurant inside the CME Center in Chicago, will close after 30 years, leaving a popular riverfront spot vacant.

Cooper's Hawk is moving into Pleasant Prairie with an 11,100‑sq‑ft restaurant and tasting room, bringing roughly 150 jobs to the Highway 50 corridor.

Ann Sather’s Belmont flagship will relocate this summer as redevelopment reshapes the Lakeview block. The restaurant says a June or July move is planned while it seeks a new spot.

Noah Sandoval and Larry Feldmeier plan All Well in the former Lola's at 111 N Carpenter. A liquor filing and industry listings point to a spring opening with a tasting and bar program.

Three French expats are opening Guillotine Bakery this spring at 1711 W. Chicago Ave, bringing an open kitchen and imported-flour pastries to West Town.

Kai Modern Japanese Kitchen is set to open at 2 N. River St. in Aurora's Hobbs Building in late April, replacing Leilani and adding sushi, ramen and a new basement lounge.

A compact West Loop neo‑bistro from the Elske team blends French technique with Midwestern comfort; critics praise its roast chicken and inventive desserts.

A St. Charles chef is launching Roaming Hoolies, a trailer-based Irish pub for parties and parades. The 20-foot build will seat about 15–20 and includes draft lines.