Ricobene’s closes in Orland Hills

Ricobene's closed June 2 in Orland Hills.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Ricobene’s, which boasted that it was the home of the famous “breaded steak sandwich” since 1946, earlier this month closed its location at 9135 w. 159th St. in Orland Hills after being open for 15 years. 

The company posted a sign on the doors at the Orland Hills location saying the restaurant was closed as of June 2 because of downsizing “in these economic times.”

The sign also said, “The Ricobene family thanks you all for the love and support you have given us over the many years. We look forward to seeing you again.”

Also closed was a location at 51^st and Pulaski in Chicago’s Archer Heights neighborhood. The family posted a note on its Facebook page that the Archer Heights location was closed for good despite a sign in the window stating it was closed for remodeling.

The company said the closings were necessary in order to keep the original location at 252 W. 26^th St. open. Also remaining open, for now, was a location in Bolingbrook.

Calls to the company’s store on 26^th Street were not returned.

Blackhawks store opens in Mokena

One of those pop-up stores that sells team merchandise in cities involved in championships has opened in the parking lot of the Gas-n-Wash at 8810 W. 191^st St. in Mokena. Blackhawks clothes and other memorabilia is available.

Other pop-up stores have been reported at 111^th Street and Ridgeland Avenue, 135^th Street and Ridgeland and Harlem Avenue and Southwest Highway.

Teavana now open at Chicago Ridge Mall

Teavana, a team emporium and tea bar, opened last month at Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge.

The store features tea from more than 14 countries.

For more information, call 708-423-5245.

Sears closing South Side stores

Once mighty Sears continues to close longtime stores as the retailer tries to right a sinking ship. The latest closings are locations at 1334 E. 79^th St. and 6153 S. Western Ave., both in Chicago.

Both stores are holding store closing sales.

Sears last week closed its store at the River Oaks Mall in Calumet City, which opened almost 50 years ago. Last year, the retailer closed its store in Lincoln Mall in Matteson.

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.