Rising fertilizer and diesel prices are squeezing Midwest growers and could push grocery bills higher in the months ahead.

A 7 Brew drive‑thru is proposed for Prairie Centre in St. Charles, with city planners reviewing plans and a late‑August target if permits are approved.

A popular Ogle County coffee trailer will open its first storefront at Valley Plaza in Stillman Valley this April, bringing seasonal drinks and biscuits to Wilson Street.

Country Club Hills’ Baby’s Cheesesteak & Lemonade has opened a downtown Joliet location, serving its signature crispy cheesesteaks and lemonade slushies with carryout and catering options.

Windfree Solar Cafe opened on Dempster Street in Evanston, pairing espresso with on-site solar consultations and demos. The shop aims to make going solar easier by putting experts where people already go for coffee.

Permit filings show Au Cheval has targeted a 4,435‑sq‑ft unit with a 575‑sq‑ft patio inside Ashwood 12 South. A local partner is reportedly involved.

Naperville’s Pho Thien is opening a second location in Aurora near Chicago Premium Outlets, with construction underway and an estimated April 10 opening.

Max and Issy's Pizzeria in Lincoln Park will close March 28 after owners accepted an unsolicited offer; staff are expected to move to Kaiser Tiger.

Mayor Brandon Johnson cut the ribbon on The Original Mr. Beef’s new Midway outpost as the airport rolls out its refreshed Central Market and concessions program.

Con Azucar Café will open in Printer's Row this May, bringing its viral conchas and candy‑inspired lattes to the South Loop.

DineAmic will bring a Mediterranean restaurant, private riverfront lounge and Greek coffee bar to 300 N. LaSalle as part of Irvine Company's $37M overhaul, adding terrace dining to River North in 2026.

Tune-Up, from the owners of Estelle’s and The Owl, has opened in Avondale in a converted auto shop with garage-chic decor and a big back patio. The new late-night bar will host pop-ups, DJs and neighborhood nights.

Bar None opens in the West Loop this weekend, pairing zero‑proof cocktails with hemp‑derived microdoses for a sober‑curious night out. The pop‑up runs Fri–Sun evenings.