Openings, Closings, Comings & Goings, October - December 2010

Pizza Fusion is no more

I drove by the Pizza Fusion store off 59 on 75th Street in Naperville, and it is closed. Don't know if it's a loss or not, as I never went there.

OK, I'll start off 4Q10 with a news roundup on Randhurst Village, the "Lifestyle Center" replacement for good ol' Randhurst.
On top of the existing fast food (Chipotle, Five Guys and Jersey Mike's on the south end, Buffalo Wild Wings and Steak & Shake at the north), they've signed leases on a few more:

• Subway -- like we need another in the neighborhood
• Pei Wei Asian Diner - A national chain, there's apparently another one at Elston & Logan. Doesn't look like it'll wow me, though.
• Billy Goat Tavern - Didn't realize there were already nine of these. I've got enough places for cheeseburgers.

Overall, nonplussed, but, hey, it's a mall, I'm not expecting Moto. But something regional/novel would be nice.

Avoid Pei Wei like the plague. While working for a client in Columbus, OH, I've been forced to eat there several times, tried a number of items, and all of them were almost inedibly bad.

Happened to be driving by the Chick-Fil-A in Orland Park and they look like they are almost ready to open.

156th St and LaGrange Rd

Miller Bakery in Gary abruptly closed their doors today.

http://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/ ... c0ef1.html

rmtraut wrote:While walking down Leavitt to get my moring coffee at Red June, I noticed a storefront being gutted. I asked one of the workers what was up, and he said, "Some kind of Italian place.....suppoed to be real nice." He also mentioned they will build a patio out back.

Mystery Italian Restaurant
Leavitt and Armitage

if it's the big space on the SE corner, that's a true Location of the Damned. I can't remember once place that's lasted more than 6 months in that spot. It's gonna have to be REAL NICE.

tcdup wrote:Pizza Fusion is no more

I drove by the Pizza Fusion store off 59 on 75th Street in Naperville, and it is closed. Don't know if it's a loss or not, as I never went there.

Went once a year ago and wasn't impressed. Basic pizza toppings on a crust that was more like naan, their main stick was being a "green" business and wanting to sell franchises.

Juicy-O, Jimmy Bannos' breakfast-lunch concept, opened their third location two weeks ago. This time on the southside of Naperville at 87th street & Washington Street. Like their two other locations, hours are M-F 6:00am-3:00pm and Sat. & Sun. 7:00am-3:00pm.

I haven't tried the Naperville location yet, but if it's anything like the other locations stay away from the lunch items. Not very good, especially the french fries. WORST fries ever, skinny, from frozen and tasteless. Breakfast items are very good to excellent especially the omelettes and Jimmy's potatoes. Free homemade donuts are also supplied at every table which is a nice touch.

Juicy-O Pancake House & Restaurant
2035 S. Washington Street
Naperville, IL 60565
(630)470-9879
http://www.juicyo.com

2942 S. Finley Road
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630)932-4260

6300 Kingery Highway [Route 83], Suite 418
Willowbrook, IL 60527
(630)470-9879

Does anyone know what is going on with Golden Star in Deerfield?
They went dark for like a week or more,
then yesterday there were lit up again-
health violations?
remodeling?
vacation?
?

The somewhat intriguing shrimp place that was supposed to go in at Clark and Drummond now looks like it will be a less intriguing sandwich place (something like "Joey's Sandwiches").

Another Hannah's Bretzel is opening in the old Pompeii space on Dearborn & Adams. Not sure when.

Cafe Ari in Glenview is closing, according to this article:

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/glenview/news/community/2777550,glenview-comcari-100710-s1.article

Mr Shrimp
7157 W 63rd St, Chicago
(773) 586-9000


Image thanks to Rene G on the above linked thread

Closed

Panther in the Den wrote:Mr Shrimp
7157 W 63rd St, Chicago
(773) 586-9000


Image thanks to Rene G on the above linked thread

Closed

Cool sign.

Driving down Western Avenue last night at about 8:30pm, I couldn't see any lights on at Rosa de Lima. Not good...

Rosa De Lima
2013-15 N Western Av

Rosa de Lima had a fire. @ least that's what the sign in the window says stating who was doing the insurance underwriting.

Also, Naked Foods, an organic grocery is opening @ 1909 Division

Jazzfood wrote:Rosa de Lima had a fire. @ least that's what the sign in the window says stating who was doing the insurance underwriting.

Thanks for the explanation, Alan. I hope they can come back quickly.

Alas, Gluten-Free dining takes a hit: Sushi Cherry (at Barry and Broadway) mentioned in this thread was dark and apparently shuttered last night (Saturday), with no note on the door. I hope this is a temporary situation. No answer to phone calls.

All indications are that Cafe Marianao (2264 N Milwaukee, Chicago) has closed. Their steel roller-shutters are down 24/7 now and their phone number is disconnected.

Also, the windows at Papi's Cafe (3334 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago) are papered over and a "for rent" sign is up. And who knows how long this has been the case; I doubt anyone on these boards will miss it since nobody ever seemed to notice it was there in the first place. But if my one and only visit is any indication, y'all weren't missing much.

JoelF wrote:OK, I'll start off 4Q10 with a news roundup on Randhurst Village, the "Lifestyle Center" replacement for good ol' Randhurst.
On top of the existing fast food (Chipotle, Five Guys and Jersey Mike's on the south end, Buffalo Wild Wings and Steak & Shake at the north), they've signed leases on a few more:

• Subway -- like we need another in the neighborhood
• Pei Wei Asian Diner - A national chain, there's apparently another one at Elston & Logan. Doesn't look like it'll wow me, though.
• Billy Goat Tavern - Didn't realize there were already nine of these. I've got enough places for cheeseburgers.

Overall, nonplussed, but, hey, it's a mall, I'm not expecting Moto. But something regional/novel would be nice.

Why would you not consider Billy Goat regional?

Meanwhile at the lifelong project of Chicago Chicken and Waffles on Madison in Oak Park...

Took a peek inside the window and the exposed truss ceilings have been painted, back wall (w/ windows) and counter in place, decorative ceiling running down the center of the building with light fixtures is installed...

Maybe another 6 months?

Drover wrote:

JoelF wrote:Overall, nonplussed, but, hey, it's a mall, I'm not expecting Moto. But something regional/novel would be nice.

Why would you not consider Billy Goat regional?

I don't consider a burger and chips regional to Chicago. The restaurant concept, perhaps, but the food isn't anything unique to the area.

(edit later) I couldn't think of any regional chains at the time (except Potbelly, and the center is already crowded with sub places with Subway and Jersey Mike's). How about a Buona Beef or a Portillo's? I don't consider either of them to be top of the game, but they're the sort of chain players who should be in a regional mall like this. Talk Lou Malnati's into expanding from their carryout-only site a few blocks north.

Chains are about the only thing that can get a lease in a mall environment these days. But if they can't get local, why didn't we hear about negotiations with Sonic, Chick-Fil-A, or dare I say In-and-Out?

3800 block of N Harlem a new place opened in the spot that in the last few years has been at least 5 different names. Has a Mexican theme now. Sorry to say that location has not done well, but I do hope the food is decent and maybe something makes it there.

The old Kokonuts space at 6913 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles is being gutted and remodeled. The sign says it will become Play Book, a new sports bar. I'm not sure if they'll have a significant menu or not from my quick drive-by but I'll keep you posted.

2146 north wrote:3800 block of N Harlem a new place opened in the spot that in the last few years has been at least 5 different names. Has a Mexican theme now. Sorry to say that location has not done well, but I do hope the food is decent and maybe something makes it there.

I always wanted to try Jimmie Q's BBQ. Never smelled smoke though when stuck in traffic out front. Figured it was 'oven baked'.

Something is going up in the old
La Brochette space:
1401 N Ashland Ave
(between Blackhawk St & Beach Ave)
Chicago, IL 60622

M' something or other. Nothing descriptive on the sign. I really hope this place does better than the last three things that were in there. I need a good neighborhood walk up the street place. Anyone heard of anything going into the old August Grocery space? I would love it if it HUE finally made a comeback.

New sign up on Taylor street next to Tuscany

http://www.theoriginalfivebbq.com/

"The Original Five restaurant will be opening in Fall 2010. Located at 1030 Taylor Street in Chicago, the restaurant offers All-American BBQ."

The Original Five - All American BBQ
1030 Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60607

A second location of La Gondola will be open for business in mid-November in the former Joey's Brickhouse Location.

La Gondola East
1258 W. Belmont
http://www.lagondolachicago.com/

YelirNY wrote:"The Original Five restaurant will be opening in Fall 2010. Located at 1030 Taylor Street in Chicago, the restaurant offers All-American BBQ."

This makes 109 BBQ joints open in the last 7 months.

Ursiform wrote:A second location of La Gondola will be open for business in mid-November in the former Joey's Brickhouse Location.

La Gondola East
1258 W. Belmont
http://www.lagondolachicago.com/

Nice. This place (inexplicably to me) gets better and better. The tiny stripmall-storefront dining room is nearly comical, but still works in the current incarnation. Good to see things come full circle from the days when La Gondola was in a full sized space across Ashland. My replacement for the dear departed Stefani's might be close at hand. One has to respect the takeout pizza/red sauce place that keeps tripe Florentine and stracciatella on the menu as everyday items.