SAAGE Culinary Studio opened a licensed shared kitchen on Aurora's riverfront, offering equipment, storage and events to help food entrepreneurs scale.

The Gwen's rooftop has been decked out for the holidays with an iceless curling rink, fire pits and seasonal cocktails. Reservations are recommended as sessions fill fast.

Chef Jimmy Papadopoulos is bringing Black Briar to Fulton Market's former Bar Takito spot. Construction is underway and the team has penciled a summer opening.

Ukrainian-born chefs and roasters opened Kazka, Heyday and Abrah across Chicago, blending syrnyky and chicken Kyiv with specialty coffee and community ties.

Soccer House is bringing a soccer‑only clubhouse to 501 N. Ogden in West Town, with multiple viewing rooms, a rooftop beer garden and a globally inspired menu. The team is targeting spring 2026 ahead of the World Cup.

Sonic Speed Cafe arrives in Wicker Park on Dec. 20 with chili dogs, a chef-curated menu and Chicago-only merch. The pop-up will feature a local mural and limited run.

Culver's has leased the former Aurelio's space at 1212 S. Michigan in the South Loop — a 5,200‑sq‑ft unit with a patio and roof deck. The chain did not list an opening date.

A Hyderabadi-focused restaurant called Biryani Baithak is coming to Salem Plaza in Schaumburg. The owner has teased dishes on social media but hasn't set an opening date.

Five Chicago restaurants — Ever, Smyth, Alinea, Oriole and Boka — landed on La Liste’s 2026 Top 1,000. The recognition highlights Chicago’s mix of theatrical tasting rooms and farm‑forward kitchens.

Yolk will move into the former Edzo’s spot at 1571 Sherman Ave in downtown Evanston; the build‑out is under way but no opening date has been set.

Ithaki Estiatorio has opened on Halsted, bringing a seafood-forward Greek menu, wood-fired cooking and an expansive Greek wine list to Greektown.

A new sports bar, Dany Sports Bar, has filed for a liquor license at 5650 W Diversey and will open drinks-first next year. It will attach to Golden Tuzo and start with cocktails and beer.

Portillo’s is building a roughly 6,250‑sq‑ft restaurant at FM 423 and Gordon Heights Lane in Frisco; construction is underway and an early‑January wrap was projected.