A South Side chef has turned the humble baked potato into a full meal, serving loaded spuds, wings and scratch‑made desserts from a new truck near 87th and Cottage Grove.

A superhero‑themed tempura shop from the team behind Chicago Ramen has opened in Schaumburg, serving jumbo ebi tempura, tendon and hot or cold udon.

Yummy Bowl is moving into the former Applebee’s at McHenry Plaza; the owner says the opening depends on final work, staffing and a county health inspection.

Rebuilt after a 2024 grease fire, Irene’s Finer Diner reopened in North Center with new dishes and old favorites. The soft‑open runs mornings into early afternoons.

Oliver and Nicolas Poilevey are opening Chez Poulet, a rotisserie chicken counter at 2234 N. Western Ave in Bucktown. The mid‑June spot will sell whole birds, seasonal sides and include a small wine shop.

Wasai BBQ, an all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue from chef Dafu Wei, is coming to Chinatown and has filed for a liquor license.

A new lakefront spot on Chicago’s South Shore will open May 25 with DJs, fitness classes and line-dancing nights. The beach house will run a seasonal evening schedule.

Jim’s Original says UIC has ordered it to vacate its Union Ave location by June 30; owners plan to reopen in Pilsen this fall and are negotiating for more time.

A Pilsen mainstay will close its Blue Island storefront this year as the family moves tamale production to a Berwyn warehouse and plans to retain most staff.

Taco Works, the national brand of Miami’s Taco Rico, is slated to open at 3800 S Cicero Ave near Midway with birria, al pastor and fajitas on the menu.

Art Smith and Phil Stefani were tapped to run the Borgo Laudato Si’ restaurant at the Pontifical Villas, blending Italian farm‑to‑table with Chicago flavors and a spring opening.

FARE is opening an Old Town cafe at 868 N Wells this summer, expanding its Chicago footprint. Expect seasonal bowls, coffee and grab-and-go breakfasts.

Pink-and-white awnings and a giant bow at LondonHouse suggest a Hello Kitty Cafe is coming to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. No opening date has been announced.