Foxtrot Café & Market reopens its Gold Coast store in Chicago with enhanced coffee service and new food items, focusing on local products and customer engagement after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Two sisters raised money for Chicago Sky basketball tickets through their lemonade stand and received a $2,000 donation, ensuring a limo ride and dinner.

Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining in Rogers Park has temporarily closed due to nearby Starbucks construction but plans to reopen with both dinner and new breakfast offerings near Loyola University.

Red Lobster, amid bankruptcy, may close three Illinois locations pending court approval, reducing its nationwide presence from over 650 to around 530 outlets.

Chubby Cattle, known for its all-you-can-eat Wagyu barbecue, is set to open at Woodfield Mall in 2025, adding a dining experience to the shopping venue.

The long-vacant TJ's Bar in New Lenox has new owners who plan to transform it into a lively country-themed bar and grill, investing $1 million in renovations.

Chef Richard Sandoval opens Casa Chi in Chicago, serving a blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine without a kitchen, using innovative techniques and ingredients.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker endorses Jeppson's Malört as the unofficial shot for the DNC in Chicago, promoting a local tradition with a divisive bitter liqueur.

Smoque Steakhouse in Avondale is transitioning into Brickton Hall, an events venue, after serving as a steakhouse since May 2023. The owners cite better suitability for special occasions.

Chicagoans celebrate summer with favorite seasonal foods, from luxury picnics to street fare like the Depression dog, highlighting the city's diverse and traditional culinary scene.

The Naperville Exchange Club has filed for bankruptcy and announced the end of Ribfest due to financial struggles, marking the conclusion of the club's community involvement.

The Illinois State Fair reintroduces its Small Plates, Big Tastes program and Feeding Frenzy event, offering fairgoers affordable sample-sized international cuisines and time-limited discounts on select food items.

Downtown Aurora will soon feature three new eateries, including Leilani Asian Fusion, Giardino Pizzeria, and Touche French Creole, in the historic Hobbs Building.