A liquor‑license filing shows Illy River North at 675 N. Wells; the owner says the spot will be an all‑day cafe and gelato shop. If it opens, it would be Illy’s second Chicago location.

Founders Table acked by L Catterton cquired Chicago's Protein Bar & Kitchen; CEO Jeff Drake will stay on as the brand eyes faster airport and franchise growth.

Time Out Market said its Fulton Market food hall will close Jan. 23, citing inconsistent weekday foot traffic and rising operating costs. The move affects more than a dozen local vendors.

Chick-fil-A opens a Cicero restaurant this Thursday as part of a wider Chicago-area rollout. Staffing listings and local press confirm the timing.

Family-run Crepe O'Clock opened at 601 Dempster St., serving crepes, Greek pastries and coffee with a 15% discount for Northwestern students.

FDA escalates a cheese recall to a Class I level due to listeria contamination, impacting several products in 20 states. Consumers are warned of serious health risks and advised to discard or return affected cheese.

Taquería La Reina opened Dec. 15 in Cicero, bringing birria, barbacoa and pozole to 6026 W. 26th St. from a three‑generation family menu.

After more than 15 years in Lakeview, The Piggery will close on Sunday, Jan. 18, and the building is listed for $2.9 million. The rooftop 'Sty Deck' will shut along with the restaurant.

An upscale Thai restaurant, Tarra, and a basement cocktail bar, Sura, will occupy the long‑vacant 121 W. Hubbard storefront in River North. The team says openings are coming soon.

Windfall Group is converting 174 N. Michigan Ave into Pacifica on Michigan, leasing space to Genki, Kanpai Hot Pot and Velvet Taco with openings targeted for 2026–27.

Jefferson Park’s Paterno's Pizza was sold to the Patel family, but the Paternos and longtime staff will stay on to preserve the menu and neighborhood feel.

Atomic Hospitality is now operating VU Rooftop at McCormick Place, has made soft menu and ambience tweaks and installed James Beard winner Debbie Gold to lead the kitchen.

Haraz Coffee House opened on Aurora's Route 59, serving traditional Yemeni coffee and a pastry case of cakes and cookies.