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.

Porky's Rib Fest to feature Foghat at Toyota Park on June 29

Foghat will perform June 29 at Toyota Park.

By Bob Bong
Desplaines Valley News


Porky's Rib Fest is a one-of-a-kind festival that offers something for practically everyone.

The inaugural four-day festival is bringing premier barbecue restaurants and vendors, live music, a carnival, car show, fireworks and classic rockers Foghat to Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview, from June 27-30.

"We will have four days of great food, great music and fun for all ages," said organizer John Zapa.

Headlining the musical offerings will be Foghat, who will perform from 9-11 p.m. on June 29. The British band scored a number of hits including "Slow Ride," "Fool for the City" and "I Just Want to Make Love to You."

Other performers on the schedule are country singer Jared Blake, who was a contestant on the first season of "The Voice"; classic rock cover band Hairbangers Ball, Kiss cover band Kings, Led Zeppelin cover band Kashmir and Jimmy Buffet cover band South of Disorder. For a complete list of bands and times, visit http://www.porkysribfest.com.

Rib vendors will include local favorites Chicago BBQ Company and Uncle Bub's BBQ from Westmont as well as Big Boned BBQ from Tennessee, Texas Thunder BBQ from the Lone Star State and even Aussom Aussie Australian BBQ from Down Under.

Other food choices will include ice cream and pizza.

Porky's Rib Fest is a show for all ages and that means there will be a daily carnival for the kids, a car show for adults from 1-5 p.m. on June 30, a huge fireworks show for everyone at dusk on June 29.

Fest hours are 4-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 27-28, from 1-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, and from noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday, June 30.

Tickets range from $30 for a four-day pass to $10 for a daily pass. There is a $25 Foghat VIP pass that includes front of stage seating. Tickets for kids 6-12 are $5 per day ($15 for four-day pass). Admission is free for children under 6.

Parking is free if tickets are purchased online at www.porkysribfest.com.

Sponsors and vendors are still being sought. If interested, please call 708-378-0102 or visit www.porkysribfest.com.

Bridgeview Library hosts blood drive

Claudia Ruiz, of Summit, donates a pint of blood Monday during a blood drive at the Bridgeview Library. Ruiz, 43, says she is a regular donor and has been since she was 18. “I’ve never had a bad experience,” she says. The Heartland Blood Center’s Tinley Park Mobile Team collected 10 pints of whole blood and a donation of double red cells during the blood drive. “We make it here three times a year,” says Heartland’s Rachelle Henderson. The Mobile Team will be back at the library for another draw on Nov. 7.