New hair salon opens in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Tinley Park’s Katie Theis was facing a dilemma familiar to many new business owners: What to call her new hair salon?

“I didn’t want it to be something trendy that I wouldn’t like in 10 years,” says the mother of two. “So, I named it with the middle names of my son and daughter.”

That’s how Anthony Marie Hair Design, 17605 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, got its name. How it succeeds is up to Theis.

Theis is only 30 and she took a couple years off when her kids were born, but she still has a lengthy resume as a stylist.

“I started right out of high school,” says Theis. “I have more than 10 years experience. Now I’m back to work, and it’s a challenge balancing work and the kids.”

Theis has the advantage of a supportive husband. “He’s the one who encouraged me to do this.”

It also helps when he’s a carpenter. “My husband built this place,” she says.

Anthony Marie opened on Aug. 19. The salon has four stylists, who only do hair. “We’re not into nails yet.”

In addition to styling, the salon offers coloring, texturizing and waxing.

Theis has an eye on catering to brides and their bridal parties. “I’d like to specialize in bridal parties. We’d have mimosas and a fruit spread. Brides need to be pampered on their special day.”

Anthony Marie is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The salon is closed on Sunday and Monday.

For more information, call Theis at 708-444-0101.

Now open
Another Middle Eastern restaurant opened recently in Orland Park. Pita Oven at 9328 W. 159th St. is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The eatery has wait service, carryout and also delivers. The phone number is 708-349-7482 and you can check out their menu at their Facebook page.

Disney crew visits Meijer
The Radio Disney Road Crew will be at the new Meijer location in Orland Park at 15701 S. 71st Court from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday to demonstrate how families can stay active and healthy.

Sox to visit Bettenhausen dealerships
Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez will be signing autographs and meeting fans at Bettenhausen Dodge, 17514 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, from 9-11 a.m. Sept. 11, while pitcher John Danks will be signing autographs and meeting fans at Bettenhausen Chrysler Jeep, 15941 S. 94th Ave. in Orland Park, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

BlueStone shuts down in New Lenox

BlueStone website photo

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

BlueStone Bar and Grill closed abruptly this week at 2387 E. Joliet Highway in New Lenox.

I’ve been told employees showed up for work on Wednesday and were all sent home after being told everyone was fired.

Tarps were covering the bar’s windows from the inside on Wednesday while restaurant equipment was being carted out of the business.

Calls to the bar went unanswered, but the bar’s website stated, “We are sorry to tell everyone that we have closed our restaurant and bar. Thank you for your support and patronage.”

BlueStone has had an uneasy relationship with the village and its neighbors over the years with nearby residents often complaining about noise from bands and DJs as well as motorcycle riders frequenting the bar.

Download your coupons for free gyros sandwiches on Tuesday

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Lunch, well, part of it anyway, is free on Tuesday at sandwich shops supplied by Kronos Products, a Greek food distributor that has coupons on its website good for a free gyros sandwich at participating restaurants.

This is the second year for the sandwich giveaway, which last year caused traffic jams and crowded dining rooms at restaurants across the Southland.

Eateries taking part include Nick’s Barbecue locations, Pop’s Italian Beef locations, Mickey’s and Cyprus in Tinley Park, Antonis in Lockport, Goody’s & Gyros in Homer Glen, Athens Gyros in Homewood and Richton Park, Johnny’s Wee-Nee Wagon in Markham, and Jason’s Drive-In in Beverly/Mount Greenwood.

You can get a complete list of participating restaurants and one coupon for each e-mail address you register at http://www.kronosfreegyros.com//.

The day isn’t only about free food, however. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that supports military families. Donations support the new Fisher House at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines.

Double Deuce folds
The Double Deuce Bar and Grill at 330 W. North St. in Manhattan has closed. Its Facebook page says the bar closed in early August but is relocating and will reopen soon. Of course, it also says it is remodeling, which makes no sense, but, hey, I don’t judge.

Sweet grand opening
The Old Thyme Sweet Shop is celebrating its grand opening Tuesday at its location inside Quiznos at 7152 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park. There is entertainment and music from noon to 8 p.m., special entertainment for kids from noon to 3 p.m., a Classic Car Show in the parking lot at 2 p.m., and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.quiznos.com//.

Jimmy John’s grand opening
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches is celebrating the grand opening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday of its new store at 12601 S. Western Ave. in Blue Island. There is a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. with Mayor Donald Peloquin, other city officials and Blue Island Chamber of Commerce representatives. The store has a drive-through window and, of course, freaky fast delivery. For more information, visit http://www.jimmyjohns.com//.

Clock shop liquidating
Omnibus Clock Shop, which has served the timekeeping needs of the Southland since 1982, is in the midst of a liquidation sale at its 3913 Sauk Train location in Richton Park. The shop has been operating under reduced hours for some time. For more information, visit http://www.omnibusclockshop.com//.

Palos Bank acquired by First Midwest
Palos Bank & Trust was closed earlier this month by state and federal bank regulators and its assets sold to First Midwest Bank, which has reopened all of Palos Bank’s branches.