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I have more than 40 years in the news business and have successfully evolved into an electronic journalist. Comings & Goings and Southland Savvy track news about businesses in Chicago's Southland.

Gift Card Deals for Last Minute Shoppers

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Christmas is right around the corner and you haven’t even started your shopping. So, you decide to give gift cards and let your recipient pick out what they want from a store of your choosing.

But not all gift cards are created equal. Many retailers are offering incentives to buy their gift cards. Here is a list of some of the deals available this holiday season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Tin Fish restaurant in Tinley Park has a $25 coupon for anyone who buys a $100 gift card. The coupon is good from January to March on orders of $50 or more.
• Mindy’s in Mokena will give a $20 gift card to anyone who buys $100 worth of gift cards. They have been running this same deal for the past few Christmases.
Blue Island-based Beggars Pizza with more than 10 locations in the Chicago area will kick in a $5 gift card for every $25 gift card purchased.

Homewood-based Aurelio’s Pizza with locations across the country also will kick in a $5 gift card for every $25 gift card purchased.
Massage Envy in Tinley Park and Orland Park will give a $50 gift card to anyone who buys $150 in gift cards.
Frankfort-based Creamery ice cream parlors will give a voucher good for a free small Blaster for every $20 gift card.
• Culver’s restaurants have a coupon good for a free double deluxe value basket with the purchase of $25 in gift cards.
• TGI Fridays also has a $5 gift card for anyone who buys a $25 gift card.
• IHOP will give you a coupon good for $5 off your next visit with the purchase of a $25 gift card.
• Applebee’s will give you a $10 gift card when you buy a $50 gift card.
• Buffalo Wild Wings will give anyone who buys a $25 gift card a $5 gift card, but it’s only good at that location.
• Denny’s will kick in a $5 gift card with the purchase of a $25 gift card.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill will give you a free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos if you show them a receipt for a $25 gift card. Purchase must be made by Christmas Eve.
• Joe’s Crab Shack will give you $5 in Bonus Bucks if you purchase a $25 gift card.
• Little Caesar’s also will kick in a $5 gift card if you buy a $25 gift card.
• Longhorn Steakhouse will give you a coupon for $5 off on two entrees for every $25 gift card.
• Outback Steakhouse will give you a free $20 bonus card for every $100 you spend on gift cards. Bonus cards are good from Jan. 1 to Feb. 11.
• P.F. Chang’s China Bistro will kick in a $10 gift card for the purchase of a $50 gift card.
• Red Robin also has $5 in Bonus Bucks for the purchase of a $25 gift card. Bucks are good from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28.
• Sonic Drive-In also will give a $5 gift card for a $25 gift card purchase.
• Subway will give you a voucher for a free sub with the purchase of a $25 gift card.
• Fuddruckers is another that will throw in a $5 gift card for a $25 gift card purchase.
• AMC Theaters will throw in a $10 concessions gift card with the purchase of $50 in gift cards.
• Famous Dave’s also has a $5 gift card for anyone who buys $25 gift card.
• Steak n Shake will kick in a $5 coupon with the purchase of $20 in gift cards.

Racing Board OKs OTB for Orland Hills

The Illinois Racing Board has approved an off-track betting parlor for Orland Hills.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Playing the ponies will get easier for Southland bettors now that the Illinois Racing Board has approved a license for Arlington Park to open a betting parlor in Orland Hills.

The racing board on Tuesday approved the request for a Trackside OTB at 9201 W. 159th St. in Orland Hills. The board also approved LaRocco Bros. to operate the restaurant side of the business.

Orland Hills officials have been talking about getting an OTB within the village for more than a decade.

“The village certainly appreciates the chance to get this new business,” said Village Administrator John Daly.


“It hopefully will replace some of the lost revenues of the down economy and the bankruptcy of Chrysler and Circuit City,” Daly said.

In the past couple of years, Orland Hills saw a Mancari Chrysler dealership and a Circuit City appliance store (both just a few blocks away from the new OTB) go out of business. Both generated considerable income tax revenue for Orland Hills.

“We replaced Circuit City with a Sports Authority but it’s a sporting goods store and doesn’t sell big ticket items,” Daly said.

The Mancari site is the largest vacancy in the village, Daly said.

Daly said the process now is for Sam LaRocco, who operates a Fat Sam’s with an OTB in Lockport, to apply for the necessary permits and licenses.

“We need to see his plan for the build out and things like that,” Daly said.

Because LaRocco is remodeling an existing building, work should go quickly, Daly said. He said the OTB could be up and running by next summer.

“We plan to keep it similar to Lockport,” LaRocco said. “We’ll have a few more TVs for the horses.”

The Orland Hills location would be slightly smaller than the Lockport Fat Sam’s, he said.

As for the Orland Park Fat Sam’s, which is only a few blocks west of the 159th Street site?

“The Orland Park Fat Sam’s isn’t going anywhere,” LaRocco said. “The new place will have a kitchen and draw an older crowd than Fat Sam’s with its dancing and beer garden.”

LaRocco said he’s thinking of calling the new venture Triple Crown, a horseracing term that refers to the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

The closest OTB to Orland Hills is one operated by Inter-Track Partners – owned by the Hawthorne, Maywood and Balmoral horse tracks – in Mokena. Inter-Track also operates an OTB in Crestwood.

An OTB in Tinley Park left town a couple of years ago when Bud’s sports bar pulled up stakes and relocated to a western suburb.

Potsy's Pizza, Ruby Tuesday Close

Potsy's Pizza in Tinley Park closed last week.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Tinley Park pizza lovers have one less place to choose from with the closing last week of Potsy’s Pizza at 16661 S. 80th Avenue.

Calls to Potsy’s are being forwarded to Salina’s over on 175th Street, which bought the rights to the phone number. Owner Neal Hummitsch said Salina's is now making "cheese nugget pizza" that Potsy's Pizza promoted. It's a kind of pan pizza with garlic butter and mozzarella.

Ruby Tuesday Closes in Orland
Orland Square Mall Christmas shoppers hoping for something to eat or drink at Ruby Tuesday will be disappointed now that the restaurant has closed abruptly.

According to a message on the mall’s Facebook page, Ruby Tuesday closed Dec. 9 without advance notice.

Meredith Hammond, a spokeswoman for Ruby Tuesday, said the restaurant closed Dec. 8 because the franchisee was not renewing the lease. She did not know the franchisee’s name.

In 2009, the franchisee was Peoria-based R.T. Midwest Holdings LLC, which appears to have gone out of business. That same year, Simon Property Group, which owns Orland Square Mall, sued Ruby Tuesday for $69,000 in back rent.

The closest Ruby Tuesday to Orland Park is now in Bourbonnais, according to the company’s website.

Gas Stations Rebranded
The deal for Circle K to acquire the Jewel Express gas stations and convenience stores in the Chicago-area has closed and the stations on 159th Street and Wolf Road in Orland Park are now sporting Shell gas signs and the stores have been rebranded as Circle K.

Synergy Salon Closes
Synergy Hair Design has apparently closed at 11310 Southwest Highway in Orland Park. Its website is still up but the phone number has been disconnected.

Main Street Relocations
Orland Park trustees this month approved more than $400,000 in relocation payments for three businesses related to the upcoming closing of Orland Plaza at 143rd Street and LaGrange Road.

Orland Park Bakery, which is moving in January to the Dania plaza at 14250 S. Ravinia Ave., will receive $196,519. Frontier Construction, which is moving to Willowbrook, will receive $63,345. Lang Lee II, a Chinese restaurant that closed that may not reopen, will receive $219,739.

The biggest loss will be if Lang Lee II doesn’t reopen. My wife loved their chicken wings.

Charter Fitness 5th Annual Toy Drive
Charter Fitness centers in the Southland are accepting new and unwrapped toys through Tuesday that will be distributed through local charities including Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army and Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

"Anybody is encouraged to drop off toys at a Charter Fitness near them. There are a lot of children in need in our communities. We want to help them have the best holiday possible," said Dan Collins, Director of Sales.

Marquette Bank Donates Winter Coats
Marquette Bank recently held its Neighborhood Coat and Clothing Drive, an employee-driven effort to collect coats and clothing to give to local organizations.

Throughout September and October, employees donated more than 120 new or gently used coats and other clothing items. Employee volunteers then sorted all of the donated clothing and distributed them to five neighborhood organizations including: Englewood Cares in Chicago, Metropolitan Family Services in Chicago, Southwest PADS in Chicago, Supportive Services Development Corporation in Chicago and Together We Cope in Tinley Park.

Prior to distribution, all of the coats were dry-cleaned free of charge by Norman’s Cleaners.

Orland Square Mall Goes Electric

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Orland Square Mall has installed two 240-volt charging stations for electric cars in the mall’s upper-level parking lot between Macy’s and Carson’s.

350Green from San Diego has been installing charging stations at malls and stores across the country and announced plans earlier this year to install 280 stations in the Chicago area.

Charging stations have also been installed at River Oaks Center in Calumet City and North Ridge Plaza in Joliet. North Ridge, River Oaks and Orland Square are all owned by Simon Property Group.

350Green also has installed a station at a Walgreens in Park Forest.

The Learning Curve Fails

Learning Curve, an educational service, closed recently at 17101 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park’s Convention Plaza.

Shell Station Changes Hands

A Shell gas station and convenience store at 14301 S. Wolf Road in Orland Park was sold for $1.2 million in late September.

Silver Lake to Add Practice Facility

Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 S. 82nd Ave. in Orland Park, has started construction on a new practice facility expected to open in the spring. The facility will include a public driving range and short-game practice area. The country club features two 18-hole courses and a 9-hole course.

Closed for the Season

Whitey’s Dairy Palace, 16860 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, has closed for the winter.

Bears deal of the weekend

Enjoy the Bears final home game of the season at Jordan’s Pub, 13500 S. Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, which serves a free halftime buffet during Bears games. The phone number is 708-460-8330. Its website is http://www.jordanspub.com/.

Sears Outlet to Open Friday

Sears Outlet store now open in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The new Sears Outlet store soft opened on Monday and will hold its official opening Friday at 16040 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

The 24,000 square foot store is in the former Bally Fitness center. The store will carry its usual line of discontinued, used, scratched and dented merchandise as well as new merchandise.

Hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

The phone number is 708-429-9428 and its website is http://www.searsoutlet.com/


Fudgi Island Cookies Crumbles
The Fudgi Island Cookie Co. closed recently at 17133 S. 88th Avenue in Tinley Park. The sweet shop opened in October 2009 and sold ice cream as well as its unique Fudgi Island cookies. The phone number has been disconnected and its website has been taken down.

In fact, the Chase Commons Retail Center where Fudgi Island was located is completely empty, a rarity even in these tough times.

Marquette Bank Names Manager
Barbara Langnes has recently been named manager of Marquette Bank’s two Orland Park locations, 9612 W. 143rd St. and 9533 W. 143rd St.

Call One Grand Opening
Call One celebrated the opening of its new office at 11524 W. 183rd St. in Orland Park with a ribbon cutting today.

Creative Cakes Knows There's No Business Like Show Business

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Tinley Park’s Creative Cakes bakery is well known locally for its fantastic wedding cakes.

Now the bakery owned by sisters Becky Palermo and Beth Fahey is hoping to broaden that name recognition with an edible version of a Christmas icon: a life-size cake in the shape of the leg lamp from the classic holiday film “A Christmas Story.”

The cake will be part of the Wednesday night opening of “A Christmas Story, the Musical” at the Chicago Theatre. The musical based on the movie and produced by a grown up Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) runs from Dec. 14 to Dec. 30.

“We were contacted by the production company to produce a cake in the shape of the leg lamp,” said Palermo.

When completed, the cake will stand about five feet high, Palermo said.

“The shade is about a foot and a half high,” she said. “It’s made from chiffon cake with raspberry and lemon mousse.

“The leg is 35 inches long and made from modeling chocolate because it has to stand up,” she said.

“Then it will stand on a crate with the word FRAGILE, which is made from red velvet and white cake.” The crate will be decorated with images from the show and movie such as a Red Ryder BB gun, Ralphie’s stepped on glasses, pink bunny slippers and a bar of Lifebuoy soap.

Palermo said 17 employees from the bakery at 16649 Oak Park Ave. are going with her and her sister to Wednesday night’s opening. “We took the tickets as partial payment for the cake,” she said.

“We’ll cut the cake for them,” said Palermo adding the lampshade and crate will be the best tasting parts of the unique creation.

How much for such a custom cake?

“If someone just came in and ordered it, the man hours alone would push the price to $2,000-$3,000,” she said adding the cake is the most extreme stunt cake the sisters have produced.

“We’re doing it to help get our name out there,” she said.

For information on Creative Cakes, call 708-614-9755 or visit them online at http://www.realbuttercream.com/


For tickets to “A Christmas Story, the Musical,” call 1-866-809-3075 or 312-423-6612 or visit http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/tickets/

Illinois Racing Board to Consider Trackside OTB for Orland Hills

An OTB is proposed for the former Hertz dealership at 9201 W. 159th St. in Orland Hills.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Illinois Racing Board is expected to approve next week a license for Arlington Park to open an off-track betting parlor at 9201 W. 159th St. in Orland Hills.

“The site totally fits the parameters for an OTB license by the Illinois Racing Board,” said Orland Hills Village Administrator John Daly. “I don’t see how the license couldn’t be approved.”

Orland Hills has been talking about placing an OTB in the village for the past decade.

“We have long embraced the opportunity for an OTB to offset the need to increase property taxes,” said Daly.

If approved, the Trackside OTB would be located in the former Hertz lot on 159th Street. The building would be remodeled into a pub and grill operated by Sam LaRocco, who operates an Arlington Park Trackside OTB inside his Fat Sam’s location in Lockport.

“We plan to keep it similar to Lockport,” LaRocco said. “We’ll have a few more TVs for the horses.”

The Orland Hills location would be slightly smaller than the Lockport Fat Sam’s.

As for the Orland Park Fat Sam’s, which is only a few blocks west of the 159th Street site?

“The Orland Park Fat Sam’s isn’t going anywhere,” LaRocco said. “The new place will have a kitchen and draw an older crowd than Fat Sam’s with its dancing and beer garden.”

LaRocco said he’s thinking of calling the new venture Triple Crown, a horseracing term that refers to the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

LaRocco said once the license is approved he will hit the ground running to get the establishment open.

“I’d like to be open for the Super Bowl, but I don’t think we could get it done that fast,” he said. The Super Bowl will be played the first week of February next year.

The closest OTB to Orland Hills is one operated by Inter-Track Partners – owned by the Hawthorne, Maywood and Balmoral horse tracks – at Stoney Point Grille in Mokena. Inter-Track also operates an OTB in Crestwood.

An OTB in Tinley Park left town a couple of years ago when Bud’s sports bar pulled up stakes and relocated to a western suburb.

The Illinois Racing Board will consider Arlington’s application on Dec. 20. Daly said he would attend the meeting.

Fudgi Island Cookies Crumbles
The Fudgi Island Cookie Co. closed recently at 17133 S. 88th Avenue in Tinley Park. The sweet shop opened in October 2009 and sold ice cream as well as its unique Fudgi Island cookies. The phone number has been disconnected and its website has been taken down.

In fact, the Chase Commons Retail Center where Fudgi Island was located is completely empty, a rarity even in these tough times.

Sears Outlet to Open Friday
The new Sears Outlet store is expected to open at 9 a.m. Friday at 16040 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park. The 24,000 square foot store is in the former Bally Fitness center. The store will carry its usual line of discontinued, used, scratched and dented merchandise as well as new merchandise.
Hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

The phone number is 708-429-9428.

Marquette Bank Names Manager
Barbara Langnes has recently been named manager of Marquette Bank’s two Orland Park locations, 9612 W. 143rd St. and 9533 W. 143rd St.


Tinley Chamber, Mainstreet Association Holiday PartyThe Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce and Oak Park Avenue Mainstreet Association are co-hosting a holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6-11 p.m. at VFW Post 2791, 17147 S. Oak Park Ave.

Cost is $30 per person for a five-hour open bar, dinner buffet and entertainment.

RSVP by today to info@tinleychamber.org or 708-532-5700.

Call One Grand OpeningCall One will celebrate the opening of its new office at 11524 W. 183rd St. in Orland Park with a ribbon cutting at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Tinley Park Seeks Vendor for 80th Avenue Train Station Café

Artist's rendering of the new Tinley Park Metra station on 80th Avenue.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Tinley Park is seeking proposals from vendors interested in operating the café that will open in the 80th Avenue Metra train station after construction winds up early next year.

The new station is expected to open in mid-February and will be one of the busiest on Metra’s Rock Island line. Its café will serve an estimated 2,400 daily commuters along with nearby residents and visitors, according to the village.A look at new businesses coming into town and a fond farewell to those that have, for whatever reason, called it quits.

According to the village, the station will feature a clock tower, full kitchen and Internet cafe, a great hall, a covered drop-off area and veranda, interior booth seating, two restrooms and a fireplace.
A second phase of construction, to be completed next summer, will feature reconfigured parking stalls, native landscaping and a pedestrian underpass.

Interested parties can register at the village’s new website http://www.tinleypark.org/ or pick up a copy of the Request for Proposal at Village Hall, 16250 S. Oak Park Ave. For information, call marketing director Donna Framke at 708-444-5045.

The deadline to submit a proposal is 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 30.

Yana’s Café Closed

Not sure when it actually closed its doors, but Yana’s Café recently shut down at 8005 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park’s Plaza of Tinley Crossings shopping center. The restaurant’s sign is still up at entrances to the plaza but its signage has been taken off of the building, and its phone number has been disconnected and its website has been taken down. The eatery had been operated by new owners since August 2010.

Rand’s Hallmark Closes

The Rand’s Hallmark store closed recently at 16030 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park, though Charter Fitness (formerly Cardinal Fitness) recently opened in the space next door after moving from Oak Park Avenue.

Making Spirits Bright Campaign

Homewood Disposal is conducting its sixth annual Making Spirits Bright campaign food drive for Together We Cope in Tinley Park.

The campaign runs through Dec. 9 and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at the following three locations:

• Homewood Disposal, 1501 W. 175th St., Homewood, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Star Disposal, 30 South St., Park Forest, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• NuWay/Heartland Disposal, 17726 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Odyssey Fun World Plans to Light Up for Christmas


The light show at Ni Miele's house last Christmas.


By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Odyssey Fun World in Tinley Park wants to shed light on Christmas this year. Sorry, make that, shed 100,000 lights on the holiday.

The arcade is putting together a light show on the side of its building that will start at 6 p.m. tonight and last through the first week of January.

“We hope it will be the first Christmas lights display for many years to come,” said Clint Paraday, general manager of the family arcade at Oak Park and Harlem avenues.

The lights will twinkle and dance to music as part of a light show designed by Nic Miele, who has been putting on light shows at his home in Batavia for the past three years.

The arcade will remain open as usual when the light show is on and the show will run even on nights the arcade is closed, Paraday said.

“The show will start out about 15 minutes long,” said Miele. “But it will get longer through the season as we add more songs.”

“The lights will move to Christmas music as well as some top 40,” said Miele. “Each song takes about eight hours to program into the computer.”

Paraday said people will be able to stop and watch the show and listen to music on outdoor speakers or tune in to 87.9 FM and listen to the music on the radio.

“There will be LED bars that will display messages, show the lyrics of songs playing and broadcast videos,” said Miele.

The lights are the same kind that you would put on your house, said Paraday.

“We got them at a nice discount from Lowe’s in Orland Park,” said Paraday.

The lights and music are controlled by computers.

“We came out with a big Halloween display,” said Paraday, referring to Odyssey’s recent Fun Farm and Corn Maize. “We decided to do something big for Christmas. Nobody else around here does anything like this. We hope everyone enjoys it.”

Stacked Opens in Oak Lawn

Papa John's opened Thursday in Frankfort.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Tom Demacopoulos is back in the restaurant business in Oak Lawn with the opening today of Stacked at 5237 W. 95th St. in the former Baja Fresh Mexican Grill.

Demacopoulos owned the Plaza Café in Orland Park from 2005 to earlier this year when he was forced to close because the village plans to tear down the Orland Plaza mall he was in as part of its Main Street Triangle project.

When he shut down the Plaza Café, Demacopoulos said he was probably going to open a new restaurant in Oak Lawn.

Stacked is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features most of the favorites from the Plaza Café but there are some new dishes including a Red Velvet French Toast with Cream Cheese, which sounds positively decadent.

For information, call Stacked at 708-422-5555.

Papa John’s Opens in Frankfort
Papa John’s Pizza opened today at 21114 S. LaGrange Road in the Frankfort Crossing shopping center in Frankfort. The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to midnight for carryout and delivery.

For information, call 815-464-2222 or visit them online at http://www.papajohns.com/.

New Home for My Bike of Tinley
My Bike of Tinley Park, which has been selling and servicing bicycles in Tinley Park since 2006, recently moved into a new home at 17210 S. Oak Park Ave. (formerly Flora Bella).

The shop started at 171st Street and Oak Park Avenue. It later moved to a storefront that was larger but also was farther from downtown Tinley. Most recently, the store moved back to a downtown location.

For hours and information, call 708-444-2453 or visit http://www.mybiketinley.com/.

Homewood Holiday Lights and Market is Friday
Homewood kicks off the holiday season in style Friday with the lighting of the village Christmas tree at 6 p.m. at Irwin Park.

Then the action moves to Downtown Homewood for the Hickory Road Holiday Market from 6-9 p.m.

Among the vendors will be Foundation 153 selling premium-grade Fraser firs from Michigan with easy pick-up and loading assistance. Sales will begin at 3 p.m.

The Homewood Rotary will be selling fresh caramel apples.

Students from Homewood-Flossmoor High School will have cinnamon roasted almonds, popcorn and hand warmers for sale.

The Homewood Parent Music Association will be selling decadent chocolate.

Girl Scouts will be selling hot chocolate and handmade scarves.

The Infant Welfare Society will sell luminaria kits for $6.

South Suburban Family Shelter will sell warm apple cider.

The Downtown Homewood Business Association will be selling mulled wine in a new Holiday Lights souvenir mug, $5 for the mug, $7 for the mug and mulled wine, and $3 for refill.

For information, visit http://www.homesweethomewood.com/.

BP Station Coming to Tinley Park

An artist's rendering of the planned BP station in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

In case you haven’t noticed, work has begun on the former Clark gas station at 159th Street and 80th Avenue in Tinley Park.

The corner has been fenced off and the building and pumps have been removed as site preparation has begun on a BP gas station that will also have a convenience store and a car wash in the back of the store.

The site plan has been approved, said Assistant Village Manager Michael Mertens.

Calls to property owner George Zervos were not returned.

Pita Wrapped
The Pita Wrap restaurant and an adjoining Verizon store closed recently in a strip mall at 6905 W. 159th St. in Tinley Park.

Orland Chamber Holiday Open House
The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a Holiday Open House at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at McCord Gallery and Cultural Center, 9602 Creek Road in Palos Park. The seventh annual Holiday Shoppe will feature unique, handcrafted articles from some of the finest artists and craftsmen in this area. You will be able to choose from pottery, jewelry, fused glass, toys, scarves, wooden boxes, ornaments and much, much more. A portion of your purchases are tax deductible. RSVP to 708-349-2972 or online at http://www.orlandparkchamber.org/.


Rudolph to Rock at Rock Bottom
The Orland Park Prairie and Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant are teaming up again to help Orland Township families and organizations this holiday season. Through Dec. 14, Rock Bottom's house red ale will be renamed Rudolph the Prairie Red with 25 cents of each glass ordered going to a fund to purchase presents for families in Orland Township's Holiday Program 2011.

Tinley Holiday Market
The annual Tinley Park Holiday Market will be held Dec. 2-4 at Zabrocki Plaza and the Oak Park Avenue Metra Station. For a complete list of events, including parades and visits by Santa, go online to http://www.tinleypark.org/.

 

Rock Bottom Hosts Rudolph Party

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The public is invited to a Rudolph the Prairie Red Party from 6-8 p.m. tonight at Rock Bottom, 16156 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

Anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy (donated to Toy Box Connection's Operation Homefront Illinois project) or three canned food items (donated to the Orland Township Food Pantry) will receive a free glass of Rudolph the Prairie Red.

Commemorative $5 glasses will also be available, with the majority of the proceeds benefiting a fund to purchase presents for Orland Township families participating in the Orland Township's Holiday Program 2011.

A special appetizer created by Chef Jose Torres will also be available for purchase.

For information, call 708-226-0021 or 708-326-9170.

Sapporo Closes in Mokena

Sapporo closed over the Labor Day weekend in Mokena.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The restaurant scene in Mokena has changed quite a bit in recent weeks.

The biggest change was the abrupt closing of Sapporo Japanese restaurant, 19031 Old LaGrange Road, when the owner just walked away from the restaurant over the Labor Day weekend.

“She pulled a midnight move,” said Jim Burke, who owns the plaza where Sapporo was located. “They took everything out including hibachi grills and kitchen fixtures that were permanently affixed.”

Well, not quite everything.

“We did find rotten food in one of the freezers,” said Burke. “The maintenance guy had to wear a respirator when he cleaned up the mess, it was that bad.”

“We knew things were bad because they were so far behind in their rent,” said Burke. “We had heard they were going to leave on July 12 but we stopped them. Then we weren’t watching so closely over Labor Day and they snuck out in the middle of the night.”

“We had offered the owner the chance to just walk away and we would try to find a new operator for the restaurant, but she said she could turn things around.”

Burke said the same thing happened at a Sapporo restaurant she owned in Plainfield, which has also closed.

Burke said he has retained a law firm and plans to file a lawsuit.

Efforts to reach Sapporo Inc., of Plainfield, for comment were unsuccessful as all phone numbers for the restaurants have been disconnected and two addresses listed for the owner in Mokena have been foreclosed upon in the past year.

Another restaurant to bite the dust was the Mokena Family Restaurant, 11133 W. 191st St., which also closed abruptly a few weeks ago. This one sounds like a dispute with the landlord as there are notices on the windows that the locks have been rekeyed.

On a brighter note, Jenny’s Steakhouse, which had been operating in downtown Frankfort, moved a couple of weeks ago into the restaurant space at 191 South, 10160 W. 191st St. Jenny’s displaced Joe’s Italian Villa, but Italian Villa pizzas are still available. Jenny’s is open for lunch and dinner.

For information and hours, call 708-479-6873 or visit http://jennyssteakhouse.com/.

River Oaks Ford to Close

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

River Oaks Ford is closing.
River Oaks Ford will close its doors at 281 River Oaks Drive in Calumet City on Nov. 30.

The dealership, which opened in 1966, has sent a letter to former customers informing them of the closing and offering a coupon for a $9.95 oil change at River View Ford in Oswego, which is owned by John Hennessy, who is the son of River Oaks Ford owner Joe Hennessy.




The letter says the decision to close was the result of “many unfortunate factors.”

General Sales Manager Tom Julian Sr., of Orland Park, who has been with River Oaks Ford for 34 years, said word of the closing came down three weeks ago.

“All of our new car inventory has been sold,” Julian said. “We have 20 used cars left on the lot. Anything left in stock when we close will be moved to the Oswego store.”

Julian said some of the staff at River Oaks will be moving to the Oswego store but he didn’t know how many. “I won’t be one of them,” he said.

“All nine salesmen are still here,” Julian said. “No one has resigned yet.”

Julian said he enjoyed working at River Oaks Ford and for Joe Hennessy.

“We had a lot of good times here,” he said. “Joe is a great guy to work for.”

Calls to John Hennessy were not returned.

Bally Fitness Sells Illinois Locations

Bally Fitness announced Friday that it is selling 171 locations, including all 27 in Illinois, to LA Fitness for $153 million. The deal is expected to close by Nov. 30.

Bally emerged from bankruptcy in 2009 after closing several locations including one at 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park.

In the Southland, Bally operates fitness centers in Matteson, Oak Lawn and Calumet City. The Oak Lawn location recently moved and reopened as a BFit Club, which is a kind of slimmed down version of the company’s traditional fitness centers.

Clothier to Close 2 Stores

Owner Odie Anderson has decided to close his The Look superstore at River Oaks Center in Calumet City and his Unico Designs store at Lincoln Mall in Matteson in order to concentrate on his charitable work.

The stores have begun going out of business sales at both locations. The River Oaks location will also have merchandise from a pair of Unico Designs stores at that mall, while the Lincoln Mall location will have inventory from The Look women’s store and Childrens Boutique at that mall.

The River Oaks and Lincoln Mall stores will be open during regular mall hours for the event. Credit cards and cash will be accepted, but all sales are final. The company currently has approximately 20 full- and part-time personnel at the two locations.

Anderson’s wife Sharon will continue to operate her Unico Designs women’s wear boutique at River Oaks Center.

In a release, Anderson said he would now focus his energies on a Michael Jackson memorial and his church.

Charter Fitness Grand Openings

Charter Fitness, which took over Southland Cardinal Fitness locations this summer, is hosting grand opening open houses at all of the recently converted locations on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The open houses are free and open to members and non-members. There will be demonstrations, giveaways and special rate sales.

"We want to invite everyone in to see what Charter Fitness is all about. Our open house is for everyone in the community. Even other local businesses will be on hand," said Dan Collins, Director of Sales.

Visit http://www.charterfitness.com/ for a complete list of locations.

Turkey Talk Food Drive

Barcelona Creative Group is hosting its fourth annual Turkey Talk Food Drive & Open House at its offices at 12416 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, to benefit the Orland Township Food Pantry. Appetizers and beverages will be served. All are welcome, and guests are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation.

For a list of items needed by the Orland Township Food Pantry and more details on the event, visit barcelonacreative.com/turkey-talk-2011. To RSVP, email Juli Barcelona at juli@barcelonacreative.com or Linda Barcelona at linda@barcelonacreative.com or call (708) 448-8077.

Evergreen Park Needs Yule Tree

The Village of Evergreen Park is looking for an evergreen to serve as its official Christmas Tree for the tree lighting ceremony at Klein Park. If you have an evergreen on your property that you have been considering having removed and would like to donate it, the village will take it down. The tree must be at least 20 feet tall. Call Cathy at 708-229-8222.

ComEd Tour at Chicago Ridge Mall

ComEd's Energy Solutions Center Tour will spread energy-efficiency cheer during the holidays with stops at Westfield malls across northern Illinois. The Energy Solutions Center Mall Tour features giveaways for consumers, LED holiday lighting displays, holiday safety tips and ideas for energy-efficient gifts. It will be at Chicago Ridge Mall on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tillman at Verizon Store

Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman will be signing autographs from 7-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, at the Verizon store at 9264 W. 159th St. in Orland Park.

Eva’s Bridals Open House

Eva’s Bridal will hold a ribbon cutting and open house at its new Oak Lawn location from 3-6 p.m. Monday. The business had been operating from temporary spaces since a fire last November destroyed Eva’s original Oak Lawn store. The new store at 5269 W. 95th St. opened earlier this month. For information, call 708-422-5599.

Aldi Opens in New Lenox

A new Aldi store opened this week at 351 E. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox, near the Walmart. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Deal of the weekend: Starbucks

Starbucks is offering a buy one, get one free deal for its special holiday drinks from 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Drinks are Gingerbread Latte, Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulee Latte.

Bears deal of the week

Blarney Stone Pub in Oak Forest offers a free halftime buffet and drink specials during Bears games.

MetroSouth Opens Center in Orland Park

Dr. John Curtin
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

 Blue Island-based MetroSouth Medical Center recently opened a facility at 15614 S. Harlem Ave. in Orland Park. It’s the hospital’s 10th such community medical center.

The center is staffed by family practice physician Dr. John Curtin, DO, who merged his practice with MetroSouth to create the MetroSouth Health Center at Orland Park.

For information on office hours, call 708-342-1860.

The hospital is hosting a business after hours through the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce for the new health center on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Outback Steakhouse, 15608 S. Harlem Ave. RSVP to the chamber so they know how many to expect. Or call 708-349-2972.

hhgregg Opening at Ford City
Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics retailer hhgregg is opening a store at Ford City Mall on Thursday with a 9:45 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The discount seller opened a store at Orland Park Place Mall in September. The Ford City store and another store that will open in North Riverside will be the 15th and 16th to open in the Chicago marketplace this year.

Radio fans can get their fill at the new store starting with WLS-FM’s Dave Fogel broadcasting from there on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Megan Reed from Rewind 100.3 will be there Friday from 4-6 p.m. and KHITS will be there on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The company has a lot of grand opening specials.

For information, visit hhgregg online.

Hanania Back on the Air
Orland Park’s Ray Hanania, who dropped his weekday radio show earlier this year after a health scare—and to concentrate on his weekly newspaper columns and weekly radio show—is back on the air from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sundays on time-brokered WSBC-AM (1240).

Hanania decided to wind down after having heart surgery last December to repair damage caused by a heart murmur.

Susie’s Trunk Show Celebrating Anniversary
Susie’s Trunk Show and Emporium, 9959 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park, is celebrating its second anniversary on Friday, Nov. 18, from 5-9 p.m. There will be shopping specials, raffles, refreshments and more. This is open to the public and also is an Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce event.

Sears Essential Re-Opening as Kmart

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Sears Essential experiment is over in the Southland.

Shortly after Kmart and Sears merged in 2005, the Kmart store at 15830 S. Bell Road in Homer Glen was converted into what was supposed to be the first of many new Sears Essential stores. It was to be a kind of hybrid store with the best of Kmart and Sears under one roof.

The idea didn’t catch on and the store has been converted back into a Kmart store.

The store had a soft opening on Halloween and plans a grand re-opening on Saturday.

Festivities run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lockport Mayor Dev Trivedi will help store manager Tiwanna Walker cut the ribbon. Kmart’s mascot Mr. Bluelight will be on hand to take photos with fans. Former Bears player Steve McMichael will be signing autographs from noon to 2 p.m. Eddie V. from KHITS Radio will broadcast from the store from noon to 2 p.m. and give away T-shirts, movie passes and DVDs. A face painter and balloonist will be there to entertain the kids. The store will raffle off prizes and gift cards.

Sears Outlet Store Coming to Tinley

While the Sears Essential store is disappearing, a Sears Outlet store will be opening in early December in the former Bally Total Fitness, 16040 S. Harlem Ave., Sears spokeswoman Kimberly Freely said Friday.

The 24,000-square-foot store will carry some new merchandise as well as discontinued, used and scratched or dented merchandise.

Pita Oven Closes

Pita Oven, a Mediterranean restaurant that featured Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine, abruptly closed this week. A reader said she went there on Monday and saw employees carting equipment out of the store. The phone number is out of service, which doesn’t suggest they were just moving.

Capri Express Closes in Tinley Park
The Capri Express restaurant at 16703 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park has closed only a few months after opening. A sign on the door says the location is temporarily closed for renovation. There’s also a notice from the Village of Tinley Park that the restaurant may not reopen without proper permits and an inspection. Calls to the company's Burr Ridge location were not returned.

Yogurt Shop Opens at Orland Square Mall
Bare Berry, a frozen yogurt shop, has opened at Orland Square Mall in the lower level JCPenney Court. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, visit http://bareberryyogurt.com/.

Free Fall Wine Tasting
Orland Park Wine & Spirits, 8600 W. 159th St. in Orland Park, will host a wine tasting on Saturday, Nov. 12, from noon to 5 p.m.

Visitors will sample wines from around the globe.

Special guests will be Pastry Chef Kimberly Zarobsky from Sweet as Cake, who will be showcasing her liquor-infused cupcakes; Andrea Turner from Tassos Gourmet Foods, who will feature olives and spreads for the holidays; Nicole Shepherd from Scentsy Products, who will have a sample of fine fragrances.

Bears Deal of the Weekend
Rockwelz Bar Meets Grill, 11265 W. 159th St. in Orland Park, has a free halftime BBQ buffet during Bears games. For information, call 708-226-0042 or visit http://www.rokwelz.com/.

 

Deals for Vets on Veterans Day


By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Military veterans and active duty personnel will be able to feast for free Friday as a host of American businesses are offering free food to America’s past and present servicemen and servicewomen in honor of Veterans Day. Most deals do not include a beverage or a gratuity, and some national chain locations may not be participating.

Ed & Joe’s restaurant in Tinley Park is offering a free small pizza with two toppings or any sandwich, none of which the owners say are served in a vacuum-sealed bag or require hydration.

Applebee’s is offering a free signature entrée all day.

Chili’s is offering free lunch for veterans from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Famous Dave’s in Orland Park is offering a free Two Meat Salute. Choose two different meats served with corn bread muffin, corn-on-the-cob and your choice of one side. For information, call 708-532-7850.

Hooters in Joliet, Lansing, Oak Lawn and Orland Park are offering 10 free wings (boneless or regular) with any drink purchase.

Krispy Kreme in Midlothian may be offering a free doughnut. The store opens at 5 a.m. if you want to try.

Little Caesars Pizza is offering free orders of Crazy Bread.

Outback Steakhouse is offering a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product.

Subway is offering a free six-inch sub or flatbread.

Texas Roadhouse is offering free lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

T.G.I. Friday’s in Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Bedford Park and Bourbonnais are offering buy one get one free or 50 percent discounts to solitary diners.

The Olive Garden is offering a free entrée from a special menu during regular business hours. All entrées inlcude freshly baked garlic sticks and choice of soup or salad.

Seven-Eleven is offering a free small Slurpee from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Accompanying family members also will receive a free Slurpee.

Golden Corral is passing on Veterans Day but will offer its 10th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation dinner on Monday, Nov. 14, from 5-9 p.m. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the U.S. Military.

Retail discounts
Lowe’s, Home Depot, Big Lots and Dollar General stores are all offering veterans, active duty personnel and their families 10 percent discounts on Friday.

Free car wash
Delta Sonic car wash locations in Crestwood and Tinley Park, Easy Clean Car Wash in Lansing, Starlite Car Wash in Worth, Tinley Park Super Wash and Zoom Clean Car Wash in Calumet City are all offering free car washes to veterans and active-duty personnel.


Free round of golf
Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park is offering a free round of golf. Call 708-349-6940 for a tee time.

Garrett Design Group Takes Place of Chuck’s House of Magic in Homewood

Garrett Design Group arranged this balloon drop
at the 1996 Democratic National Convention.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Chuck’s House of Magic may have sold its last deck of trick cards but the business has not pulled a disappearing act.

Call it a business evolution.

The storefront remains the same at 18725 Dixie Highway in Homewood, the phone and fax numbers haven’t been changed, the employees are still there, and Garrett and Joyce Gruberman are still the owners.

What has changed is the focus. The company is expanding its popular and successful balloon and event décor side of the business.

“Half of the business remains the same,” said Garrett Gruberman, who became co-owner with his mom, Joyce, after his dad, Chuck, retired in 2005. “We’re just getting more into that end of the business.”

The change on Nov. 1 from Chuck’s House of Magic to the Garrett Design Group was “bittersweet,” he said about the store that survived numerous moves, a failed balloon venture in Orland Park and a devastating fire.

“One woman came here crying,” he said. “She said she was here the day the store opened. She was very emotional. I almost wanted to say, ‘We’re staying open.’ “

Although the new company will emphasize its balloon and event décor along with services such as lighting, backdrops and draping, it will continue to offer to local residents the services they have come to associate with Chuck’s.

“If someone local wants a balloon pickup, we’ll still do it,” Gruberman said. “They just need to call ahead to make sure someone is here. We won’t be staffed like the store was.”

“We’ll also continue to rent mascot costumes and seasonal costumes like Santa and the Easter Bunny,” he said.

The company will also continue to provide entertainers such as clowns, face painters, balloon twisters and magicians to local businesses, such as the Denny’s in Mokena, which features a magician or balloon twister most weekends.

“We’ll also continue to offer stage makeup to local theater groups and donate services to local groups like the Cancer Support Center,” said Gruberman, 29, a resident of Homewood. “We’re happy to help local groups.”


But the transition was inevitable, Gruberman said.

“For 25 years, the balloon and event décor side of the business was always expanding,” he said. “We go everywhere. I’m going to Denver for a New Year’s Eve show for a band that used us here in Chicago.”

Clients have included the City of Chicago, which asked Chuck’s to decorate Daley Plaza when the city won the right to bid for the Summer Olympics; Columbia College and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Gruberman is bracing for the loss next summer of his business partner, who will join her husband in retirement.

“Mom plans to retire in June, but said she’ll still be around if we need an extra set of hands,” he said. “And my wife has joined the business helping with designs.”

As for Chuck?

“He showed up to turn off the neon sign for the last time and to scrape the name off of the door,” Gruberman said with a laugh. “He’s 70 now and likes to work once in a while, if it’s not too hard.”

For information, call (708) 798-2111, or email info@garrettdesigngroup.com or visit Garrett Design Group online.

Pooch Parlor Moves in Homewood

The Pooch Parlor dog grooming business relocated recently from 18216 Harwood Ave. to 18719 Dixie Highway in Homewood. For information and hours, call the business at 708-798-6825.

Pain Clinic Opens in South Chicago Heights

The Pain Clinic, which specializes in neurology, chiropractic, therapy and acupuncture, opened recently at 176 W. Sauk Trail in South Chicago Heights. For information and hours, call 708-756-7777.

Hair Cuttery Opens in Frankfort

A Hair Cuttery salon opened opened recently at 20165 S. LaGrange Road in the Hickory Creek Marketplace in Frankfort. For information and hours, call 815-464-5237 or visit http://www.haircuttery.com/.

Eva’s Bridals Rises from the Ashes
Eva’s Bridals in Oak Lawn, which was destroyed in a nasty fire just about a year ago, reopened this week at 5269 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn.

In the year since the fire, the shop has been working out of rented storefronts and opened a satellite store in Tinley Park.

For information, call the shop at 708-422-5599 or visit http://www.evasbridalsofoaklawn.com/

Brewing at Alsip Nursery

Alsip Nursery is celebrating “Learn to Homebrew Day” tomorrow with a free seminar on how to make your own beer. An expert will be on hand from 1-3 p.m. to go over what it takes to brew your own lager, ale or stout. Whoever attends gets to return in a couple of weeks to sample what they make.

Bears Deal of the Weekend

Post-Game Pub & Sedona Grille, 9630 Willow (195th Street) in Mokena, will have a free pregame spread before the Bears take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night and drink specials during the game.

Fashion Guru Clinton Kelly To Open Store Friday in Orland Square Mall

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Clinton Kelly
Fashion guru Clinton Kelly will be at Orland Square Mall on Friday, Nov. 4, to open his own custom tailoring store Perfect Fit by Clinton Kelly at the Stitch It store.

Kelly, who co-hosts What Not to Wear on TLC and The Chew on ABC, will arrive at 2:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., he will provide one-minute style consultations to the first 100 people to visit the store. The store opens at 10 a.m.

The new store is a joint venture between Kelly and Stitch It to combine the efforts of expert stylists with skilled tailors.

According to a news release, Perfect Fit works with both men and women and can work its magic with clothes just bought, that have hung in the closet for years or were found at a thrift store.

The Wild Rover in Frankfort


Owners Jim and Jack Dillon hope to open The Wild Rover Restaurant and Tavern at 20535 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort at 6 p.m. Friday as long as the new establishment passes its final village inspection.

The new eatery will be open for lunch and dinner and drinks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

The brothers have added a small outdoor seating area to the former K.T. Mae's in the Vineyards Plaza.

For information, visit their Facebook page at The Wild Rover Restaurant and Tavern.

Family Martial Arts Opens in Tinley

A new martial arts school called Family Martial Arts opened earlier this month at 16707 S. 80th Avenue in Tinley Park.

Family Martial Arts also has locations in Mokena and Shorewood. Those locations teach both tae kwondo and hapkido but the Tinley location is at present teaching only tae kwon do. Classes are available for anyone 4 and older.

The new school or dojang is open Monday through Friday from 4-6:30 p.m.

The school is offering a grand opening special to its first 30 students: one month free, a free uniform and 40 percent off class rates.

For information, call 708-444-2110 or visit their website at http://www.fmakick.com/.


Rotary Donates Dictionaries


The Tinley Park-Frankfort Rotary Club recently donated dictionaries to every third-grader in Harvey School District 152 and English Language Learners and English as a Second Language students at Tinley Park High School.

The dictionaries are multi-faceted, with sections about weights and measurements, biographies of the U.S. presidents and copies of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.

“Literacy has always been an important issue for Rotary International. At the local level, this project allows us to make an impact on those who live right here in our own back yard,” Karen Wegrzyn, president of the Tinley Park-Frankfort Rotary Club, said in a release.

This is the fifth year the club has donated dictionaries to the Harvey School District and the second year it has donated dictionaries to students who are learning English as a second language.

For information about the club’s efforts and how you can join, contact Wegrzyn at 708-359-4715 or visit the club’s website at http://www.tinleyparkfrankfortrotary.com/.


The group meets at 7:15 a.m. every Thursday at Lincoln-Way North High School, 19900 S. Harlem Ave., Frankfort.

Casto’s Closes in Tinley Park

The sign in front of Casto's is now blank along Oak Park Avenue.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The economy claimed another victim in Tinley Park this week when Casto’s Ristorante suddenly closed its doors at 16846 S. Oak Park Ave.

Calls to owner Bill Casto were not returned, but a message on the front door of the restaurant cited “the economy, high taxes and unwillingness of Archer Bank to work with small business” as reasons for the closing.

The restaurant opened in 1999 and was noted for its Christmas in July celebrations, which sometimes included holiday inflatables on the front lawn.

Oak Lawn Dominick’s Closing

Dominick’s is closing another Southland location. The supermarket chain will shut down its store at 8700 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn on Monday, Jan. 1.

“The lease expired and the store did not meet sales expectations,” said Lauri Sanders, director of Public Affairs and Government Relations.

She said the store had 75 full-time and part-time employees.

Also, Sanders dispelled rumors that the store at 127th Street and Ridgeland Avenue in Palos Heights was closing.

“We have no plans to close our Dominick’s in Palos Heights,” she said.

The company did close its Orland Park store recently.

Once the Oak Lawn store closes, Dominick’s will have 76 stores in the Chicago marketplace.

Doc Popcorn Opens at Chicago Ridge

Doc Popcorn is now open at Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall in the Center Corridor near Bed, Bath and Beyond. This Sunday from 2-4 p.m. you can get a free bag of popcorn in celebration of its grand opening. Just mention you saw the Yellow Ad.

Bear Sighting

Wide receiver Johnny Knox of the Chicago Bears will be at Phillips Chevy, 9700 Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. to sign autographs.

There’s no Bears deal this weekend because the team is on its bye week.

Halloween Deal

Applebee’s is holding a Kids Eat Free promotion on Monday, Oct. 31. Kids 12 and under can order for free from the Kids Menu. Two free kids for every paid adult entrée.

Berkot's Eyes Orland Park Location

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Orland Park looks like it will be getting a new grocery store to replace Green Food and Produce, which closed earlier this year at 11333 W. 159th St. in the Wolf Crossing plaza at 159th and Wolf Road.

Mokena-based Berkot’s Super Foods has applied for building permits and the village is reviewing plans, Karie Friling, director of development services, told me recently.

“It’s no secret,” she said.

Indeed not, I have received emails from a couple of readers asking me when Berkot’s was going to open.

For its part, Berkot’s is staying mum. I received an email recently from Luke Kotara at Berkot’s who said he would contact me when he could confirm the plan.

Berkot’s has a nice history of taking former supermarkets and breathing new life into them. They did it most recently this past summer in Lockport when they converted a former Sterk’s and Fairway Foods into the company’s 13th location.

Season of the Witch

Remember when Halloween was all about candy and carving pumpkins? Those days are long gone and Halloween is now the second biggest retail season behind Christmas and several seasonal shops have opened in the Southland in advance of next week’s holiday.

Spirit Halloween is now open in the former Borders store in Ravinia Plaza in Orland Park, in the former Borders Express in Chicago Ridge Mall, at 14726 S. Cicero Ave. in the former Walgreens at Mid-Oak Plaza and at the Long Run Marketplace, 13462 Archer Ave. in Lemont.

Halloween City has set up shop at 15852 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park, at 4824 Lincoln Highway in Matteson, and 19816 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena.

Halloween Express is open at 7260 W. 159th St. in the Home Depot Plaza in Orland Park and at 6101 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn in a former Men’s Wearhouse.

Chick-fil-A Celebrates Anniversary

Chick-fil-A will celebrate its first anniversary at 15605 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park by giving away free chicken sandwiches from 6-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29. The eatery is also offering free kitchen tours from 2-4 p.m. sign up at http://cfarestaurant.com/orlandpark

Happy Halloween at Orland Square Mall

Simon Kidgets Club is hosting a free Halloween party for kids 3-8 at Orland Square Mall on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event, presented by Dole, will include activities and games, crafts, a costume contest, and trick-or-treating through the mall. Dole will be handing out Real Fruit Bites sample. Free Trick-or-Treat Bags will also be distributed while supplies last.

Orland Park Bakery Announces New Home

Orland Park Bakery, which is losing its longtime home at Orland Plaza, has finally announced it will be moving into new and larger digs at 14850 S. LaGrange Road next to Dania furniture.

“We’re very excited about moving there,” Dan Major told Orland Park Patch last week about the bakery’s new location. There’s plenty of parking there, and it’s easy to access both from LaGrange and Ravinia.”

Café Gaston Ribbon Cutting
Café Gaston is unveiling its new look and menu to the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 14438 John Humphrey Drive in Orland Park.
RSVP to the chamber at http://www.orlandparkchamber.org/calresp.asp?id=14807

Downtown Tinley Halloween Kiddie Parade

The Oak Park Avenue Mainstreet Association is holding its 13th annual Halloween Kiddie Parade and Party on Sunday, Oct. 30, from noon to 3 p.m. outside its office at 170th Street and Oak Park Avenue in downtown Tinley Park.

There will be a walking parade, trick-or-treating at local businesses, games, prizes, snacks and refreshments. Prizes will be awarded in “Best of” categories.
Businesses are invited to set up a table and pass out treats to the kids along with a coupon or promotional item to the parents. In past years, there have been 450-500 children, not including their parents, grandparents and pets. Go to http://www.opama.org/ to download an entry form.

Ford to Add Jobs at Local Plants

Ford Motor Co. plans to invest up to $200 million to expand its Chicago Assembly Plant and Chicago Heights Stamping Plant and add upwards of 1,200 jobs between the two plants.

Gov. Pat Quinn last week said the automaker will add a third shift at the Assembly Plant in Chicago’s Hegewisch community, which makes the Taurus, Lincoln MKS and Explorer. The investment will allow the plant to produce new sedan and SUV police interceptors.

Ford will invest $117 million at the Assembly Plant and $86 million to upgrade the stamping plant, which makes body panels.

Crematorium OK’d for Homewood

Homewood has approved a special-use permit that will allow the Cremation Society of Illinois to build a crematorium at 17859 Bretz Drive. The society operates two other crematoriums in Romeoville and Rockford.

Annual Legislative Breakfast


 
The Southland Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, Oct. 28, from 8-10 a.m. at The Horton Group, 10320 Orland Parkway in Orland Park. For information, call 708-957-6950 or visit their website at http://www.chicagosouthland.com/.

Gyros Express Opens in Tinley Park

Gyros Express is now open in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Gyros lovers in Tinley Park have another reason to salivate with the recent opening of Gyros Express at 7108 W. 171st St. across the street from the Jewel-Osco store. The store is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and delivers. It has the standard gyros joint fare. For information, call 708-444-2100.

Gayety’s Opening Indiana Location
Gayety candy and ice cream lovers who made the move to northwest Indiana will soon be able to find the sweets they loved in Schererville. Gayety’s, which moved years ago from its original home in South Chicago to Lansing, is expected to open a second sweet shop Oct. 25 at U.S. 41 and Main Street next to the H. Dog hot dog stand. Hours and a phone number are not yet available. For information, visit http://www.gayetyschocolate.com/.

Juice Shop Closes in Mokena
Juicilious, a smoothie shop that opened back in the spring in the Boulevard mall at 191st Street and Everett Lane in Mokena, closed up recently. Customers on its Facebook page say that LivingSocial will refund money for unused deals.

Borders Stores Get the Ghost
Spirit Halloween has opened Halloween stores in the former Borders book store at 15260 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park and the former Borders Express book store inside Chicago Ridge Mall. There also is a Spirit store in the old Walgreens at 14726 S. Cicero Ave. in the Mid-Oak Plaza in Midlothian. For information and a complete list of stores, visit http://www.spirithalloween.com/.

Tim Gunn Hosts Live Show at Orland Square Mall
Style expert Tim Gunn, who is co-host of Lifetime’s Project Runway cable show, is hosting a fall fashion show of the Liz Claiborne and Claiborne collections at Orland Square Mall at 1 p.m. Saturday in the upper level JC Penney Court.

After the show, guests will be treated to an open forum Q & A with Gunn.

With any qualifying purchase of $75 or more, guests will be professionally photographed with Gunn and will receive a personalized, signed copy of his New York Times best-selling book Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work!

Seating is open but limited. No reservations are required.

Deal of the Month
Subway is selling all of its regular Footlong sandwiches for $5 in October.

Bears Deal of the Weekend
Ed and Joe’s in downtown Tinley Park is replacing its normal Bears package with a special offer when the Bears take on the Vikings in a Sunday night football matchup. The restaurant will offer free pizza at half-time to anyone who is inside the restaurant by the start of the second quarter.

Old Navy to Open New Store This Weekend in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Old Navy, which is moving its Matteson store from Lincoln Mall to Brookside Marketplace, will open its new store at 7410 W. 191st St. in Tinley Park with a sneak peek starting at 5 p.m. Friday.

Shoppers will have to pick up a special 20 percent off sneak peek coupon at other retailers in Brookside Marketplace.

The 15,000 square foot store will open Saturday at 9 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a host of guests and events including a DJ, stilt walkers, balloonist, and food from local restaurants including Buffalo Wild Wings, Popcorn Town & Candyland, Subway, Odyssey Country Club and Culver’s.

The opening events continue on Sunday with a costume contest. Guests can visit the store anytime to have their picture taken for the contest.

Guests can also sign up for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree.

The store will donate 5 percent of grand opening weekend sales to the local Boys & Girls Club.

Store hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call the store at 815-464-0232.

Middle Eastern Grocery Store Closes in Tinley


Devon Groceries, which opened two years ago at 17105 S. 88th Avenue in Tinley Park, closed recently.

Dominick's To Remain Vacant

Pete's Fresh Market, which owns the building that housed the Dominick's food store on LaGrange Road in Orland Park, said nothing will be done with the building until 2014.

Any plans for the building are on hold until a state widening of LaGrange Road from 131st to 179th streets is completed. The project will start next summer and run through 2013.

During construction, road equipment will be stored at the former store's parking lot.

Ross Dress for Less Stores to Open Saturday in Orland, Matteson

Ross Dress for Less stores will open Saturday in Orland Park and Matteson.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Ross Dress for Less, a California-based off-price retailer, will open 12 stores Saturday morning including one at Orland Park Place mall and another at Matteson Center mall at Cicero Avenue and U.S. 30.

It will be the single biggest store opening in the company’s 30-year history. All stores will open at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Each store is offering shoppers a chance to win a $500 shopping spree or one of five $100 shopping sprees.

“We are so excited to be here,” said Mary Walter, senior vice president of stores during a sneak preview Thursday night at the Orland Park store.

Walter said Ross has more than 1,000 stores in 27 states.

“We started in California and are working are way east,” she said. “Customers in Chicago will respond to our great products at great prices.”

Walter said Ross typically offers a wide selection of brand name merchandise for 20-60 percent less than at department stores.

The Orland store features a mix of clothes, shoes, seasonal decorations, toys and home décor.

Walter said Ross will celebrate its entrance into the Chicago market by making a $50,000 presentation to the Boys & Girls Club. In Orland, a gift will also be made to the Sandburg High School Music Boosters. In Matteson, a similar donation will be made to the Matteson Public Library.

Walter said Ross has hired about 50 associates at each store.

Store hours will be Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Other new stores are in Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Bloomingdale, Crystal Lake, Naperville, Niles, Rockford, Schaumburg, Skokie and South Elgin.


For information about Ross, visit http://www.rossstores.com/ and www.facebook.com/rossdressforless.

PSC Seeks Employers for Job Fair
Employers looking for candidates to fill open positions are encouraged to register for the Prairie State College annual job fair scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the college, 202 S. Halsted St., Chicago Heights. Commission-only positions and positions requiring a start-up fee are not allowed.

The job fair will be open to currently enrolled students, alumni and community members.

Registration is $50 per company and includes seating and lunch for two representatives, a table, table covering, and signage. Each additional representative attending the fair is $25.

To register, visit prairiestate.edu/jobfair. The deadline for registering for the fair is Friday, Oct. 7.

For information on the job fair, contact Tanya Norfleet, coordinator of career development services, at (708) 709-3755, or Ramien Manson, career advisor, at (708) 709-3922.

Demolition Makes Way for Dave & Buster’s
Demolition began last week on the former movie theater at Orland Square Mall to make way for the new Dave and Busters adult arcade that should open next year at the northeast corner of LaGrange Road and 151st Street in Orland Park.

Orland Township to Host Job Fair
Orland Township is hosting a free job fair for both residents and non-residents on Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Orland Township Activity Center, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park.

A variety of company representatives from different industries will be present to meet with participants, including the insurance and financial fields.

Companies scheduled to attend include Plastipak Packaging Inc., Cintas, Allstate Insurance, Lowe’s, Norfolk Southern, Prudential and more.

Business attire is required and attendants should bring updated resumes for distribution.

For information, visit http://www.orlandtwp.org/.

Michael's Stores Close
Southeast suburban arts and crafts fans will have to travel to Tinley Park now that Michael's stores have closed recently in Calumet City and Matteson.

Bears Deal of the Week
Fat Sam’s at 15896 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park, will have a free halftime buffet and drink specials when the Bears take on the Lions Monday night. For information, call 708-403-0733.

Frankfort Haunted House Starts Saturday

Frankfort Area Jaycees will open their Haunted House on Saturday.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Things will start going bump in the night on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Frankfort Area Jaycees Haunted House in the Frankfort Crossing shopping center at 198th Street and Harlem Avenue in Frankfort.

“This year’s theme is Holiday Massacre and we’ve added 200 square feet,” said Jaycees President Ken Blank, of Frankfort Square. “We have more maze.”

The Haunted House, which the Jaycees use to raise money for their charity work, will be open from 7-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Halloween. The house also will be open on Oct. 30 and Halloween night.

Admission is $8 for everyone 6 and older.

“There are absolutely no refunds,” Blank said. “This is a haunted house. It’s scary. There are warning signs everywhere. This money goes to charity. The $8 is your donation.”

Last year, he said, some people asked for their money back after their young children were too scared.

“If you think your child is too young, he or she probably is, and shouldn’t go through,” he said. “But once you pay – you pay.”

Blank said he has a crew of 60-65 ghouls and goblins ready to scare guests.

“Many are junior high school and high school kids who do this as part of their community service for school,” he said.

Blank said the Jaycees have been putting on the Haunted House for 15 years. Last year, they moved out of their longtime home at the Frankfort Square Park District into bigger digs at the shopping center.

For information, visit the Jaycees website at http://www.frankfort-area-jaycees.org/.


Here's a roundup of Haunted Houses that will be open between now and Halloween. The screams you hear are probably your own.

Haunted Hollow at Toyota Park in Bridgeview
Haunted Hollow returns to Bridgeview’s Toyota Park with a new fright fest called Carn-Evil Midway.

When: Oct. 14-16, Oct. 21, Oct. 23 and Oct. 28-31, from 7-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 7-10 p.m. on Sunday and Halloween.

Admission: $10 for ages 7 and older. RIP passes are an additional $5.

Information: http://www.bridgeviewhauntedhouse.com/.

Frightmare Haunted House at Haunted Trails 7759 S. Harlem Ave., Burbank

A two-story haunted house and scary maze featuring scenes from famous horror films.

When: Daily from Oct. 7 to Halloween, 6-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6-11 p.m. Fridays, 3-11 p.m. Saturdays, 3-10 p.m. Sundays, 3-10 p.m. on Columbus Day, 1 p.m. to ?? on Oct. 30 and 5 p.m. to ???, on Halloween.

Admission: $10 (discount coupons on website) but only 99 cents on 20th anniversary days Oct. 10-13 and Oct. 17-20. 6-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday,

Information: http://www.frightmarehauntedhouse.com/

Haunted Hayride 10801 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills

When: Oct. 14-15 from 7-9:30 p.m.

Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 10 and younger

Information: http://paloshillsholidayevents.homestead.com/Halloween-hayride.html

Orland Park Lions Club Haunted Woods Presents Forest of Fears 14800 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park

Scaring Orland Park since 1988.

When: Oct. 14-15, Oct. 21-22, Oct. 27-29, from 7-11 p.m.

Admission: $10 for ages 6 and older ($2 discount with donation for food pantry)

Information: http://orlandparklionsclub.com/

Haunted Hayrides Forest View Farms, 16717 Lockwood Ave., Tinley Park

A Halloween ride through haunted forest preserve takes about 20-30 minutes. A fall tradition for at least 15 years.

When: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 14-16, Oct. 20-23, Oct. 27-29, from 6-7 p.m. a less scary version for kids, from 7 p.m. to close a full effects show.

Admission: $10 ($9 if you book a whole wagon, which seats 20).

Information: 708-560-0306 or online at http://www.fvfarms.com/.

Sweet Dreams Haunted House 11901 S. Cicero Ave. Alsip, inside the Funtime Square

In its seventh year of operation, Sweet Dreams Haunted House is located inside Funtime Square in Alsip, which has the largest haunted cemetery count, according to Haunted Places of Illinois.

When: Oct. 12, Oct. 7-9, Oct. 14-16, Oct. 21-23, Oct. 26-31, from 7-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 7 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Admission: $10

Information: http://www.sweetdreamshauntedhouse.com/.

3rd Annual Nightmare at the Terrace Haunted House 11500 Beloit Ave., Worth

The Worth Park District will once again be turning the Terrace Centre into a place full of scares, thrills and chills for the 3rd annual "Nightmare at the Terrace" Haunted House. If you dare, take your chances and walk through a 700-foot path and 15-room maze.

When: Oct. 14-15, Oct. 21-23, Oct. 27-30, from 6-10 p.m.

Admission: $8 for 8 and older

A Lights on for Kids version will be Oct. 20 from 4-6 p.m. and Oct. 29 from 2-5 p.m. for $2.

Information: 708-448-7080 or online at http://www.worthparkdistrict.org/.

Spirits of the Oaks Haunted Trail Irons Oaks in Olympia Fields

It’s the time of year when the darkness lengthens and the Spirits of the Oaks become restless. Are you brave enough to walk amongst them? Visit our haunted trail that is sure to scare even the bravest soul.

When: Oct. 14-15, from 7-10 p.m. for ages 12 and older

Admission: $7 ($5 in groups of 5 or more)

Information: http://www.hfparks.com/.

Doorway to Doom Pick-Ups Bar, 21000 Torrence Ave., Lynwood

The Doorway to Doom began as a simple yard haunt in a quiet little town south of Chicago. Paul and Mark created some scares that had haunt fans flocking in from all over. Soon, the Haunt grew and the Doorway threatened to consume the sleepy little suburb. A new site was found, all the graves dug up and moved. The Mausoleum holding the Doorway was taken down, stone by stone and reassembled. Working past midnight, the construction crew entered the Doorway, a loud rumbling was felt, and the crew was gone. No evidence of what had happened to the work crew was ever found, except for a hard hat, found embedded in solid stone! Unknown to the proprietors, the site that was chosen has strange forces at work. It is said, that a vortex opens up beyond the Doorway and those unlucky enough to be in the Mausoleum when this happens are swept away to a world of unspeakable terrors! Can you make it through the Doorway and back again?

When: Oct. 14-16, Oct. 21-23, Oct. 26-31, from 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 8 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 6-0 p.m. on Halloween night.

Admission: $13

Information: http://www.doorwaytodoom.com/

Abyss Haunted House Presented by Dollinger Farms, 7502 E. Hansel Road, Channahon

A darkness, long forgotten, has been unleashed deep within the bowels of the earth, beneath the old McClindon place in unsuspecting Channahon. An unspeakable portal to horror so deep and black, it is known only as … ABYSS.

When: Oct. 1, Oct. 7-8, Oct. 14-16, Oct. 20-23, Oct. 27-30, from 7-10 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays, 7-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission: $17

Information: 815-467-6788 or online at http://www.abysshaunts.com/

Statesville Haunted Prison and City of the Dead Crest Hill

Enter Statesville Haunted Prison at your own peril. When you do, the Warden the Demon of Darkness and his Zombies will quickly take control of you like everything else inside the ancient walls of pure evil! You will experience feelings that you have never felt before! Some call it scared, terrified, or horrified but you will never be the same again or should I say sane again. Do you like clowns? You won’t if you survive and escape Statesville! Only a select few escape the dangerous cells only to enter the City of the Dead where the most evil of Statesville go for eternity. Will you be joining them?

When: Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, Oct. 6-9, Oct. 13-16, Oct. 20-23, Oct. 25-31, Nov. 4-5, 7-10 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission: $30, VIP $40

Information: http://www.statesville.org/

Haunted Mansion and Asylum 13 Ditka’s Sports Dome, 730 N. Bolingbrook Dr. in Bolingbrook

When: Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, Oct. 7-9, Oct. 14-16, Oct. 20-23, Oct. 26-31, 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission: $20

Information: www.ditkasportsdome.com/haunted.

Six Flags Fright Fest in Gurnee

When: Oct. 1-2, Oct. 7-10, Oct. 14-16, Oct. 21-23, Oct. 28-30, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Columbus Day

Admission: $59.99 for adults, $39.99 for children under 48-inches, free for children 2 and younger. Additional fee required for some haunted attractions.

Information: http://frightfest.sixflags.com/.