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/.