A 21-year-old Garfield Ridge native reopened Mini Hut, rescuing the neighborhood’s beloved butter‑crust fried chicken and planning a Sunday grand opening.

Nashville’s Hattie B’s opens at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville on Thursday and plans River North and Wicker Park locations. The chain brings its signature spicy chicken and Southern sides to Chicago.

Dots Cafe, a family-run coffee shop from brothers Michael and Rob Young, is taking shape at 2000 W. Addison in Roscoe Village with a spring opening targeted.

The Publican has removed its communal tables and refreshed the dining room as chef Rob Levitt updates the menu under Donnie Madia's oversight.

Bars across Chicago and nearby suburbs are opening early Sunday to air the U.S.-Canada men's hockey final, with early hours and game-day deals at neighborhood pubs and sports bars.

Illuminated Brew Works announced the Norwood Park taproom will close June 28, 2026, and will sell remaining cans at the Lodge while hosting final releases.

Dutch Bros will open its first Chicago-area suburban drive-thru at a vacant Melrose Park storefront on Mannheim Road, the company says. The move expands the chain's Illinois footprint beyond Edwardsville and Urbana.

Libertyville's Pizzeria DeVille has signed a lease for the former Giordano's at 1527 Chicago Ave in Evanston and is aiming for a mid‑March opening.

A new downtown Aurora taqueria is selling handmade tortillas, seasoned meats and weekday taco deals at 31 N Broadway. The family-driven menu spot opened this week.

Amy Morton's The Barn has opened its second North Shore location in Highland Park, bringing an 80‑seat dining room and a tucked‑away speakeasy to downtown. The project was supported by a city incentive and local leaders say it will activate a cobblestone alley.

Bronzeville Winery and Park Manor 75 are centering Black winemakers and neighborhood education to shift how Chicago drinks and talks about wine.

A new coffee-and-cocktail spot, Rest And Recreation, will take over 1359 N Wells in Old Town with an expected late‑spring to early‑summer 2026 opening.

An ex‑Marine opened Big Sauce in Old Town, turning a pick‑up window into a wing lab for tallow‑fried jumbo wings and potato shards.