Burrito Joint opens in Mokena

The Burrito Joint opened recently in Mokena.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A new Mexican restaurant aptly named The Burrito Joint Caliente opened recently in the Hickory Creek Shopping Centre in Mokena.

Co-owner Jim Burke said the authentic Mexican cuisine as served up by chef Marcos Alamo is “awesome.”

Menu items feature broiled pork, cured beef, pulled chicken and fresh tamales. The restaurant even features Coke products imported from Mexico along with Jarritos, a Mexican soda pop brand.

Specials include $1 tacos on Mondays and one-pound burritos for $5 on Sunday.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

This is a second go round for this location as a Mexican restaurant. An earlier eatery closed about five years ago.

Burke is also a co-owner of the neighboring Stoney Point Grill restaurant and OTB and the plaza itself.

The Burrito Joint offers sit-down dining as well as carry out and catering.

For information, call 708-995-7742 or visit its Facebook page or Burrito Joint online.

New Beggars Pizza opens

A new Beggars Pizza opened recently at 1326 119^th St. in Whiting, Ind., across the state line from Chicago’s East Side neighborhood. For information, call 219-659-4555 or visit Beggars online.

Texas Roadhouse coming to Countryside

Texas Roadhouse, the steakhouse chain that features peanuts on the floor and hand-cut steaks, is planning a 7,163-square-foot location at 9960 Joliet Road in Countryside. 

The project has an estimated cost of $1.2 million. Construction bids went out last month. 

A late summer opening is scheduled.

Merle Norman moves in Orland

The Merle Norman cosmetic studio moved around the corner recently at the Orland Greens shopping center in Orland Park into a space about twice the size of its original location.

The store moved from 15006 to 15026 S. LaGrange Road into a spot next to Black Tie Tuxes. The new space is 1,525 square feet compared to the 810 square feet in the old location.

The studio’s hours and phone number remain the same.

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 follow business happenings at Comings & Goings.