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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.

Ross Dress for Less to Open in Calumet City, Bolingbrook

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Ross Dress for Less, a discount apparel and home fashion chain, will open two new stores this weekend in Bolingbrook and Calumet City.

California-based Ross entered the Chicago market last fall when it opened a dozen stores including locations in Matteson and Orland Park.

Ross stores typically carry brand name products priced 20 percent to 60 percent less than at department and specialty stores.

The stores are located at Bolingbrook’s Maple Park Place and Calumet City’s Calumet Center, 480 River Oaks West.

The stores open at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 3. From Saturday through Sunday, March 11, each store is offering shoppers a chance to win a $500 shopping spree or one of five $100 shopping sprees.

“We started in California and are working are way east,” said Mary Walter, senior vice president of stores, during last year’s opening in Orland Park. “Customers in Chicago will respond to our great products at great prices."


Walter said Ross has more than 1,000 stores in 27 states. Each store employs about 50 associates.

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.

As part of the grand opening ceremonies, Ross will make a donation of $1,000 each to the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs and the George Werden Buck Boys & Girls Club.


For information, call the Bolingbrook store at 630-378-2022, the Calumet City store at 708-832-2593 or visit http://www.rossstores.com/.

Chicago Ridge Mall Welcomes 2 Back
Gloria Jean’s Coffee recently reopened at Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall in the Aldi Court and The Children’s Place reopened earlier this month after being closed for a couple of weeks for remodeling.

Clock Tower Gifts Closes
Clock Tower Gifts closed last month at 18700 S. Wolf Road in Mokena almost five years to the day it opened in 2007 in the retail center.

Eatery Closes at River Oaks
Smokey’s Rib Shack closed recently at River Oaks Mall in Calumet City.

Plush Horse Coming to Tinley Park

Plush Horse is coming to Tinley Park next month.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Palos Park’s Plush Horse Ice Cream & Coffee Shop, considered by many to have the best ice cream in the southwest suburbs, is opening a second location at 7903 W. 171st St. in the Tinley Downs plaza in Tinley Park.

Steve Rydberg, son of owner Ann Rydberg, said he is hoping the new location will be ready by mid-March.

“Mom wanted to give it a try,” he said of the second location, which will feature the same sweet treats as the Palos Park location. “We will have cupcakes and candy, as well.”

Rydberg now works downtown at a bank but grew up working at the Palos Park location.

“I helped make the ice cream,” he said. His favorite flavor? “I really like chocolate peanut butter.”

Rydberg said the new location will continue to be a family affair with relatives and his wife Mary Ellen Rydberg helping staff the new location.

For information, call 708-444-1800.

New York & Co. Remodeling

New York & Co. at Orland Square Mall will be closed for the next couple of months as the store undergoes remodeling. The mall expects the store to reopen in about 60 days. A number of stores are sprucing up at the same time the mall is undergoing an overdue face-lift.

Francesca’s to Host Chamber Event

Francesca’s Vicinato, 12960 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park, is hosting a Business After Hours from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, for members of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. RSVP to 708-349-2972 or http://www.orlandparkchamber.org/.

Sign Up for Brew and Vine Festival

The third annual Tinley Park Brew and Vine Festival will run from 2-11 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.

The event will showcase popular brewers and wineries with an extensive list of diverse wines and craft beers. The Tinley Park Brew and Vine Festival offers tastings for both fine wines and craft beers, as well as gourmet foods.

Admission to the festival includes wine, beer and food tastings, a commemorative wine or beer glass, and access to the event.

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

Oak Lawn Kmart to Close

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Kmart at 11000 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn has been added to the list of stores being closed by Sears Holdings Corp. No closing date was announced. Kmart also operates a store at 4101 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn.

It is the first store in the Southland to be designated for closing since Sears Holdings announced last year that it would close between 100 and 120 underperforming stores.

Sears Holdings, which posted a $2.4 billion fourth quarter loss on Thursday, also said it would sell off its Outlet store division – including a store that recently opened in Tinley Park and a store in Bridgeview – and certain hardware stores. There are standalone Sears Hardware stores in Orland Park and Alsip.

Corn Product Wants New Name

Corn Products International, which operates a factory in Bedford Park with a distinctive smell of burning corn, will ask its shareholders in May to change the company’s name to Ingredion. Smellion might be a better name considering the odors that come out of that plant.

Southgate Pharmacy Closes in Homewood

Southgate Pharmacy filled its last prescription on Valentine’s Day as the longtime store in Homewood shut down. The store was one of three opened in 1956 by the Skoniecke family. It was the last one to close.

Tinley Park Tobacco Closes

Tinley Park Tobacco at 7921 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park closed recently.

Free Pancakes at IHOP

Celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP next Tuesday with a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. The chain asks that you consider leaving a donation for charity. In the Southland, IHOP restaurants can be found in Orland Park, Matteson, Crestwood, Lansing, Ford City Mall, Bridgeview, Bolingbrook and Bourbonnais. For information, visit http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/.

Gas n Wash Opens in Mokena

Gas n Wash opened last week in Mokena.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A new gas station opened last week at 8810 W. 191st St. in Mokena.

Gas n Wash features six fuel stations, a convenience store, car wash and, starting next week, a Dunkin Donuts with a drive-through lane.

The station was built by Len McEnery on property once owned by Gas City. McEnery was an executive for Gas City, which was owned by his brother William.

 Mokena Business Expo and Health Fair

The Mokena Chamber of Commerce has moved its Business Expo and Health Fair into bigger digs this year at The Oaks Recreation and Fitness Center, 10847 LaPorte Road. The show is free to the public and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday.

There will be dozens of exhibitors on hand offering demonstrations, raffles, door prizes and health screenings.

XSport Fitness Express Now Open

A 24-hour fitness center opened recently at 13343 S. Cicero Ave. in Crestwood. The XSport Fitness Express center is open daily and features all kinds of fitness equipment including treadmills, climbers and bikes. For information and pricing, call 708-824-0800 or visit http://www.xsportfitness.com/.

Rail Grill Reopens in Blue Island

The New Rail Grill opened recently at 2239 Vermont in Blue Island. The restaurant is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call 708-597-4343.

Fox Head Apparel Coming to Orland

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Fox Head Inc., which made its name with a worldwide brand of motocross apparel and has since branched out into other performance sports, is going to open its only Chicago-area store at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park this spring.

The mall said the store will be moving into part of the space being vacated by Bath & Body Works, which is downsizing and moving across the way.

The company was started as Fox Racing in 1974 in Campbell, Calif.

Calls to the company for more information were not returned.

Jamaica Jerk Choice Coming to Tinley Park

Jamaica Jerk Choice restaurant, which offers Caribbean cuisine, is coming soon to 15910 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

For information, check out the menu at its Calumet City location at http://www.jamaicajerkchoice.com/.

Calls and emails to the owner were not returned, but an employee at the Calumet City location said the 1,200 square foot Tinley location should be open by March.

Cartridge World Has New Digs

Cartridge World, which refills printer cartridges and the like, moved recently from its original home at 15942 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park to new digs at 7751 W. 159th St. Tinley Plaza in the Castle Plaza.

Charlotte Russe Closes in Orland

The Charlotte Russe store in Orland Square Mall closed recently. Fans of its clothing and shoe lines can still find them at stores in Ford City Shopping Center, Chicago Ridge Mall, the Promenade in Bolingbrook and Louis Joliet Mall.

McLaughlin to Deliver State of Orland Park to Chamber

Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin will give his state of the village address to the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, at Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 S. 82nd Avenue.

Cost is $14 for chamber members in advance, $17 for members and non-members at the door.

RSVP by Feb. 24 to 708-349-2972 or http://www.orlandparkchamber.org/.

Public Meeting on Illiana Expressway

The Illinois and Indiana Departments of Transportation will present the preferred routes for the proposed Illiana Expressway from Interstate 65 near Lowell in northwest Indiana to Interstate 55 near Wilmington.

There will be a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23, at Matteson Hotel and Conference Center (Holiday Inn) at 500 Holiday Plaza Drive in Matteson from 5-8 p.m.

There will be a continuous PowerPoint presentation, and attendees will have the opportunity to view study exhibits, provide comments and speak with IDOT, INDOT and study team representatives on a one-on-one basis. A question and answer forum will be held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.


Mokena White Castle Gone But to Return

Work has started on rebuilding the White Castle at 191st and LaGrange in Mokena.


By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Don’t fear Mokena White Castle fans, the iconic fast-food restaurant will soon return bigger and better than before to its spot at 191st Street and LaGrange Road.

In case you missed it, the restaurant disappeared the other day. It was just gone. There was a vacant muddy lot and a couple of signs telling Slider fans where they could go to get their closest fix – on U.S. 30 in New Lenox and at 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park.

“The new building should be ready by May 5, depending on weather,” said Bill Thompson, regional director of restaurant operations for White Castle. “Since it’s been such a mild winter, we should be able to easily make that date.”

Thompson said the new Mokena restaurant will be similar to the one in New Lenox when finished.
“It’s the same design,” he said. “It will have a little bigger front room.”

The new building also will sport a drive-through lane with two windows, Wi-Fi, and televisions, Thompson said.

The Mokena restaurant has been there since 1997 when it was acquired and converted from a Hardee’s.

White Castle is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The Ohio-based chain has been operating in Chicago since 1929.

Wynder's, Home of the Spiral-Cut Hot Dog, Closes in New Lenox

Terry Johnson shows off one of his spiral-cut hot dogs in New Lenox in June 2010.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Sad to say, I saw this one coming.

Wynder’s restaurant in New Lenox, which opened in June 2010 with the unique product of a spiral-cut hot dog, shut its doors for the last time last week.

I called the shop last week after I saw a notice on the door that they had cut their hours to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owner Terry Johnson wasn’t in, but the woman on duty said the store was staying open but cutting back its hours. That’s never a good sign.

Then it was closed.

I remember when Wynder’s opened. Johnson was absolutely passionate about his spiral-cutting technique.

He said the process brought out hidden flavor in something as mundane as a hot dog. He said he got the idea from his mom, who used to make him fried bologna sandwiches.

Johnson has been trying since day one to expand his brand. He had a couple of nibbles from groups in Florida and Texas, but nothing got off the ground.

He originally wanted to open shops in Joliet and Tinley Park, but they never materialized.

He was selling spiral-cutting gadgets from his website, which was still up this week. So, maybe that is still going.

Wynder’s is not the first hot dog shop to fail in that location despite its seemingly great location across the street from Lincoln-Way Central High School. Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon had a brief run there prior to Johnson taking his shot.

Johnson told the New Lenox Patch this week that road construction on U.S. 30 was partly to blame, and he’s right. Construction along the road has made life miserable for lots of business owners there.

The lousy economy since he opened and what I’m sure are not cheap rents in that plaza also didn’t help, I’m sure.

Johnson is a nice guy who had a clever idea to make a hot dog more than just a hot dog. (I’ve been slicing hot dogs and sausages when I grill ever since I met him.) It’s too bad he didn’t succeed.





Rasmussen College Job Fair is Thursday

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Rasmussen College, in conjunction with the Mokena Chamber of Commerce, presents the Winter Career Expo from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, at Rasmussen College, 8650 W. Spring Lake Road, Mokena.

This networking opportunity is open to all students, alumni, community members, and employers at no charge.

For information, contact the front desk at 815-534-3300.

Employers on hand will include:
 
• IDES
• IDES for Veterans
• Chicago Fire
• Your Total Business
• Primerica
• Combined Insurance
• H&R Block
• Lighthouse Printing
• Kelly Services
• Mokena Chamber of Commerce
• Chiro One Wellness Centers
• New York Life
• NextMedia 360
• Ingalls Hospital
• American Family Insurance
• Aramark
• U.S. Army
• Charter Fitness
• Lincoln Mall security
• Pace
• Costco





Tinley Park Golf Expo Starts Friday

By Bob Bong 
Southland Savvy

The inaugural Tinley Park Golf Expo is this weekend at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

The show runs Feb. 17-19 and will feature golf instruction and activities, information on golf courses and destinations, golf equipment and apparel.

Admission is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For information, visit its website at http://www.tinleyparkgolf.com/ or call 708-990-3779.

Sponsors include Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park.





Chicken Wild Opens in Tinley Park



By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

John Mihalos is back in the restaurant business after taking a decade off and his latest entry is a rotisserie-style restaurant called Chicken Wild at 15940 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

The eatery opened this week in the former Starbucks coffee shop.

Mihalos, who grew up in Oak Lawn, came up with the idea of a rotisserie-style restaurant after doing a little research and discovered rotisserie cooking is healthier and results in a different kind of taste from grilled and fried foods.

“There’s no reason fast food can’t be healthy and taste great,” he said.

Mihalos said guests can taste what he’s talking about during visits. “Ask for a sample and see for yourself,” he said.

Chicken Wild offers rotisserie chicken, pork and beef brisket with a variety of sides including rotisserie pineapple, fresh vegetables of the day, real mashed potatoes with garlic and olive oil, rice pilaf, and even steamed sweet corn (in season).

“But our specialty is the chicken breast,” Mihalos said.

Mihalos has big plans for the Chicken Wild concept and envisions many more locations once the Tinley location takes off.

“We think Chicken Wild will be a winner because of the taste,” he said.

The restaurant will emphasize catering and delivery, he said.

For information, call 708-444-2770 or visit their Facebook page. You can check out their menu at http://www.chickenwild.com/.

Rehab Suites Open in Evergreen Park

Evergreen HealthCare Center has opened new suites for patients rehabbing from surgery or other services at 10124 S. Kedzie Ave. in Evergreen Park. The suites are part of Transitional Care Management’s renovation of the center. For information, call 847-720-8700 or visit their website at http://www.tc-mgmt.com/.

Children’s Place Open Again at Chicago Ridge Mall

The newly remodeled Children’s Place reopened recently at Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge.

Egg Cetera Fish Fry Starts Today

EggCetera Café at 10120 W. 191st St. in Mokena will be open from 4-8 p.m. on Friday nights starting today for its new all-you-can-eat Friday Night Fish Fry. For information, call 708-478-0070.

Valentine’s Day Deals

Free Roses: Although a little pricey, Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall’s heart is in the right price with a new Valentine’s day promotion that runs through Valentine’s Day next week.

If you go to the Westfield Mall Office or Concierge with $200 or more in same-day mall store receipts, they will give you a coupon good for a bouquet of a dozen roses from Aldi. Limit one per person.

Fancy Dining: Chick-fil-A in Orland Park is hosting a Family Valentine’s Day from 6-8 p.m. Monday night with reserved seating, table service and activities. Call Cassie at 708-460-4663 or email community@cfaorland.com for reservations.

Heart-Shaped Pizzas: Ed and Joe’s in Tinley Park is serving up 10-inch, 12-inch and 14-inch heart-shaped pizzas between now and Valentine’s Day.

Ameera’s Pizzeria in Tinley Park also is serving up heart-shaped pies this weekend.

Dinner and a Tango: Couples can spend Valentine’s Day learning a tango routine from Al Pacino’s “A Scent of a Woman” at Heart & Sole Dance Studio and then dining on heart-shaped pizza at Vito & Nick’s II. The dancing starts at 7:30 p.m. and costs $35 per couple. Participants will receive a copy of the song they dance to and a chocolate rose as a gift. For information or to make reservations, call Heart & Sole at 708-532-6237 or visit http://www.heartsoledance.com/.

Whole Foods Market Plans Orland Store

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy


Orland area food shoppers will have a new alternative when Whole Foods Market opens later this year inside the former Borders book store at 15260 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

The Texas-based chain plans to open a natural and organic foods store sometime this fall. The Orland store is one of eight stores Whole Foods plans to add later this year, the company said Wednesday in its first quarter earnings report.

The Orland store at 27,000 square feet is on the small size, especially when compared to a Meijer or Jewel, but Whole Foods prides itself on featuring natural and organic foods that are free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats.

The Orland store will be the chain’s first location in the Southland. Whole Foods has 17 other stores in the North and West Suburbs and 317 worldwide. Whole Foods said the store would bring 150-160 jobs.

The company started in 1980 in Austin and had sales of $10 billion in fiscal 2011.

White Fence Farm Now Open

White Fence Farm, which claims to have the World’s Greatest Chicken, has reopened its Romeoville, Joliet, Downers Grove and Plainfield Crossing locations for the season. The newly remodeled Riverside store won’t open until March. For information, visit them online at http://www.whitefencefarm.com/.

Puppy Store Closes in Mokena

The Puppy Love Boutique closed recently at 19155 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena. The store opened in November 2009.

CarHop Opens in Chicago Heights

CarHop, a car dealer that focuses on helping car buyers with poor or no credit get auto financing, opened its fifth Chicago-area location at 207 Halsted Street in Chicago Heights last month.

“People in the Chicago Heights area who have credit issues will now have an opportunity to get driving again,” District Manager Peter Desouza said in a news release. “And we will do everything we can to get them approved, provide customers with a chance to improve their credit and change their lives for the better.”

CarHop includes an 18-month, 18,000 mile limited warranty on all of its vehicles.

“The Chicago Heights store will help serve our customers’ needs by being in a more convenient location for people who live in that area of Chicago, and people who live near the border of Indiana and Illinois,” store manager Jim Arvia said in the release.

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

Tropical Smoothie Coming to New Lenox

A Tropical Smoothie Cafe is coming to New Lenox.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A Florida-based smoothie restaurant has put up signs that it will be moving this spring into the former Quiznos at 1872 W. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox across the street from Lincoln-Way Central High School.

The Tropical Smoothie Café franchise in Lombard will be relocating to New Lenox soon, according to its Facebook page. The Lombard location’s phone number has already been disconnected, and calls to the Florida corporate offices were not returned.

The restaurant features smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, salads and breakfast, according to its website menu. It also has a kids menu and limited-time specials.

Interestingly, it will around be literally around the corner from a Paradise Smoothie shop.

Pepe’s Closes in Hickory Hills

The Pepe’s Mexican restaurant closed recently at 8128 W. 95th St. in Hickory Hills.

Smokey Barque Open in Frankfort

Smokey Barque, a barbecue smokehouse, opened recently at 20 W. Kansas St. in the former Jenny’s (which moved to 191 South in Mokena) in downtown Frankfort. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m.


The restaurant will be holding grand opening events on Feb. 24-25. For information, call 815-277-2502 or visit http://www.smokeybarque.com/.

Vitamin Shoppe Opens in Matteson

A Vitamin Shoppe opened last month at 4803 W. Lincoln Highway in Matteson. Store hours are Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call the store at 708-283-7059 or visit its website at http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/.

Pet Hospital Opens in Mokena Petsmart

Banfield Pet Hospital opened recently inside the Petsmart at 21430 Wolf Road in Mokena.

The hospital is hosting a grand opening free Preventive Care Seminar at 6 p.m. on Friday.

For information, call 815-464-3589 or visit http://www.banfield.com/.

Discover Tinley Registration Open

The Tinley Park Community Resources Commission will host the annual Discover Tinley community awareness expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 14 at the Convention Center. Businesses and organizations that want to participate can get more info at http://www.tinleypark.org/.

Old Navy Moving to Chicago Ridge Mall

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Old Navy plans to move its Chicago Ridge store from the Commons of Chicago Ridge to a spot inside Chicago Ridge Mall.

Construction of the new store is expected to start in early April, said assistant store manager Tina Rodriguez Bauer.

The new store is expected to cost about $700,000 and will be about 20,000 square feet.

Old Navy is shooting for a mid-June opening, Bauer said.

In September, Old Navy moved a store from Lincoln Mall in Matteson to a new location at Brookside Marketplace in Tinley Park.

Mattress Store Closes in Tinley

Back to Bed mattress store closed recently at 7242 W. 191st St. in Tinley Park but appears to be planning a comeback in the village once the Blockbuster store closes later this month at 15970 S. Harlem Ave.

The mattress company, with 48 locations in the Chicago area, was soliciting bids in December for interior renovations for the Blockbuster location. Calls to the company for more information were not returned.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Eyes 3rd Location

O’Reilly Auto Parts, one of the top aftermarket auto parts chains in the U.S., opened two stores in the Southland last year at 6710 W. 111th St. in Worth and 921 E. 162nd St. in South Holland and plans on a third store in Hickory Hills sometime this summer.

“We’re still looking to do something in Hickory Hills in the second part of this year,” said Mark Merz, O’Reilly’s director of external reporting and investor relations.

The company announced plans last summer for a store in the former McDonald’s at 8715 W. 95th St.

O’Reilly has been on a tear the past year, opening 170 new stores nationwide in 2011 with another 170 expected to open nationwide this year.

Store hours vary by location, said Merz. But generally the store is open seven days a week from about 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from about 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

“O’Reilly Auto Parts caters to the do-it-yourself customer,” said Merz. “But we do half of our business with professional car repair businesses.”

For information, visit the store online at http://www.oreillyauto.com/.

South Suburban Hospital Opens Inpatient Pediatric Unit

Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest opened its new inpatient pediatric unit this week, which will work with Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn to provide services to Southland children and their families. The new unit has 12 beds, accommodations for family, a playroom and a full-time child life specialist.

DeVry Open House on Saturday

There will be an open house on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at DeVry University’s Tinley Park Campus, 18624 West Creek Dr. For information or to register, call 708-342-3200 or visit www.tp.devry.edu/community.html.

Business After Hours Mardi Gras for Together We Cope

Members of the Orland Park Area, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn and Oak Forest-Crestwood chambers of commerce are invited to a Mardi Gras sponsored by BMO Harris Bank and Together We Cope from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Together We Cope, 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.

There will be tours of the Together We Cope facility, door prizes and great food!

RSVP to the Orland Chamber by today at 708-349-2972 or http://www.orlandparkchamber.org/.

New Businesses in South Holland

The following new businesses opened recently in South Holland:

• Accessory City, 629 E. 162nd St.
• Johnsons Cleaning Co., 16417 Evans Ave.
• Johnson Omnimedia, 16417 Evans Ave.
• Molis Dental 2, 16240 Louis Ave.
• Scott Munro Photography, 17050 South Park Ave., Suite D
• SOS Full Maids and Cleaning Service, 16901 Van Dam Road, Suite 603
• Chela Dance Fitness, 705 E. 162nd St.
• Klear Kut Graphics, 16320 Woodlawn East
• Primerica Financial, 15475 South Park Ave., Suite 105

Deal of the Weekend: Free Onion Rings

Burger King restaurants are giving away free value-sized orders of its new style onion rings starting with lunch on Saturday and Sunday. The deal is good while supplies last and there is no purchase necessary. In addition to the onion ring giveaway, if you "like" Burger King on Facebook, you will be entered to win a $10 BK Crown Card.

Super Bowl Special Deals

By Bob Bong
 Southland Savvy

Super Bowl Sunday is said to be the biggest party day of the year.

In case you’re the one throwing the party, here are some deals on pizzas.

We also have a list of some local watering holes and their Super Bowl Specials.

Salina’s in Tinley Park has the "OchoCinco," which is $8.50 off a "Giants" (18-inch) pizza. Limit 10. Mention coupon code: SB2012. For information, call 708-614-9100 or visit their website at cateringbysalinas.com/.

Ed & Joe’s in Tinley Park is hosting a Super Bowl Party from 4-10 p.m. for $30 per person, which includes a raffle to win a pizza a week for 52 weeks. Call Ellen for reservations at 708-532-3051.

Ed & Joe’s also is raffling off a pizza a week to all take-out and delivery customers on Sunday. In addition to being automatically entered, customers can take $5 off any 14-inch or 16-inch pizza from 3-9 p.m. Dough Dollar Points also will be doubled.

Durbin’s is offering a $35 Super Bowl package at all of its locations, which includes pizza, nachos, dinner and four drinks. Reservations required. See manager at each location.

Bookie Magee’s Hideaway and OTB, 2450 W. Jefferson in Joliet, is hosting a Super Bowl party starting at 5 p.m. Cost is $40 per person for half-time buffet, free pop and draft beer, $2 bottles of beer and house drinks. Early birds can get free racing program and $10 in bets with their reservation. Call 815-744-6500 for reservations.

Here are some Super Bowl Specials in the Lincoln-Way area thanks to the folks at Patch. See here for the complete list.

Chicago Blu in Frankfort will have a free half-time buffet, 46-cent drafts and 46-cent wings (get it, Super Bowl XLVI).

Jameson's Pub in Frankfort starts the party at 5 p.m. For $35, customers can enjoy an open bar and a half-time party buffet.

Pete Mitchell's Bar & Grill in Frankfort will have a free half-time buffet and drink specials.

Tommy Nevin's Pub in Frankfort will have a free half-time buffet, drink specials, raffles and giveaways.

The Wild Rover in Frankfort will have a free half-time taco bar and drink specials.

191 South in Mokena has two party packages: A $60 package that includes top-shelf liquor and food and a $35 package with domestic drinks and a family-style dinner. Call 708-479-6873 for reservations.

Stoney Point Grill in Mokena is holding its second annual Steak Fry, where you pick out your ribeye and chefs cook it on a grill outside to order. It’s $25 for a 10-ounce ribeye and $30 for a 16-ounce ribeye — both come with an all-you can eat buffet of sides. A free all-you can eat taco and nacho bar will be open during halftime. Drink specials. Sports memorabilia will be raffled off throughout the night.

Charleston's Bar & Grill will host a party. $25 gets you unlimited domestic drafts and a buffet that includes a nachos bar, pizza and buffalo hot wings. Reservations are recommended.

Charleyhorse in Tinley Park, New Lenox and Munster, Ind., will have a free half-time buffet with wings, tenders, pasta, appetizers and drink specials.

Prime Time Restaurant & Bar in New Lenox will have a free half-time buffet, including pizza, pasta and salad; $10 prime rib special; $10 slab of ribs; 50-cent wings; and drink specials.

Tom Kelly's Chophouse & Pub in New Lenox will have a free half-time buffet with pizza, fried chicken, pasta, meatballs and drink specials.