The Currens behind The Graceful Ordinary are opening The Idle Hour, a members‑only cigar lounge, and RILY, a raw‑bar jazz club at 11 S. 2nd Ave in downtown St. Charles; construction is underway and openings are expected this year.

Mauro Mafrici is planning a new restaurant at the former Spiaggia space on the Magnificent Mile, with filings and social posts pointing to a 2026 opening.

Carmine’s returns to Rush Street Monday with a rebuilt dining room, roughly 10,000 square feet and a year‑round terrace. Reservations open Sunday.

Blue Bottle Coffee will open a shop at Westfield Old Orchard in Skokie on Monday, joining the mall's redevelopment and new dining lineup.

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.