About Me

My photo
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.

Wild Rover closes in Frankfort

The Wild Rover closed recently in Frankfort.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Wild Rover, an Irish-themed restaurant and tavern that opened at 20535 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort in November 2011, closed down in September.

A message on its Facebook page said Sept. 28 was the last day for the establishment in the former K.T. Mae's in the Vineyards Plaza shopping center.

The sports bar was opened by brothers John and Jim Dillon. It featured Irish specialties and had an outdoor patio.

Pet store closes

Mocha Pet, a pet store and grooming salon that opened in November 2011 at 7537 W. 159th St. in Tinley Park, closed its doors in September after a brief store closing sale. It was one of two Mocha Pet stores and the original is still open in Boston, Ohio.

Siam Marina finally opening in Tinley Park

Although the opening has taken several months longer than anticipated, Siam Marina appears ready to open its doors at 16846 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.

The restaurant has scheduled a grand opening with the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce for 5-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10.

Owner Sam Chung was unavailable, but a manager at his Asparagus restaurant in Merrillville, Ind., confirmed the Monday grand opening. She was not certain whether the restaurant would hold a soft opening in advance of the grand opening.

Chung had originally hoped for a late spring and then a mid-summer opening, but equipment delivery problems kept pushing the opening back.

"Construction has taken a lot longer than we expected," Chung said in February. 

Chung said the menu would consist of Thai cuisine and Vietnamese specialties created by his wife and partner executive chef Tammy Pham, who grew up in Saigon. Other offerings will include Asian Fusion, seafood, vegan and vegetarian dishes.

Siam Marina closed its popular Calumet City location more than a year ago in anticipation of moving into the former Casto's restaurant. Its sister restaurant Asparagus remained open throughout the construction.

Chung said fans should watch the restaurant's Facebook page for an exact opening date or they could sign up on its website page at www.siammarina.com for a monthly newsletter. There is a recorded message for customers at its new phone number 708-407-8825.

Hours are scheduled to be from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

A new Lou Malnati's opens

Popular Chicago pizzeria Lou Malnati's opened its latest location Sept. 25 at 12801 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights.

The pizzeria is in a small strip center that will also be home to a new Jersey Mike's sandwich shop and Great Clips hair salon.

The location offers carryout, delivery and catering. It is the third Lou Malnati's in the south suburbs and all are carryout and delivery only. The company operates 13 dine-in locations and 25 carryout and delivery stores. Other Southland locations are in Oak Lawn and Tinley Park.

Hours are 4-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

For ordering and information, call 708-608-2400.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.com