Five Below to Open In Tinley on Friday

Five Below will open at 9:30 a.m. Friday at 191st and Harlem in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Five Below will open at 9:30 a.m. Friday at the Brookside Marketplace in Tinley Park.

Five Below, a national discount retailer that caters to teens and tweens, will open five new stores in the Chicago area at 9:30 a.m. on Friday including one in the Brookside Marketplace at 191st Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park.

Store hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Each day during opening weekend, the stores will be giving away free Five Below T-shirts with any purchase to the first 300 customers. The stores will also offer 5-cent hot dogs, and other giveaways including a $100 Five Below shopping spree. In addition, Benny the Bull from the Chicago Bulls, Southpaw from the Chicago White Sox, and Staley Da Bear from the Chicago Bears will make special appearances at the stores throughout the weekend.

The new store is part of an expansion of the mall between Kohl's and Dick's Sporting Goods. Also opening soon will be an Old Navy and HomeGoods stores.

The opening is part of a surge of Five Below stores into the Chicago market. A store opened earlier this year at 94th Avenue and 159th Street in Orland Hills.

Other stores opening Friday include Woodfield Village Green, 1465 East Golf Road in Schaumburg; Woodgrove Festival, 1001 W. 75th St., Suite 171 in Woodbridge; Oakridge Court, 802 Randall Road in Algonquin; and North Riverside Mall, 7501 W. Cermak St. in North Riverside.

A sixth location, in Kennedy Plaza in Chicago, will open this fall, bringing the total number of Five Below stores in the Chicago market to 16.

“We took Chicago by storm this year,” says David Schlessinger, co-founder of Five Below, in a news release. “Never before have we opened so many stores in one region in such a short period of time. In 2012, we’re going to continue to penetrate the marketplace, and give even more Chicago customers access to our product offerings.”

The opening of these stores is part of a rapid growth initiative that will see Five Below open 50 new stores in 2011, increasing its total number of stores to just under 200 by year-end.

Zante Lounge Holds Anniversary Party
Zante Lounge will celebrate its second anniversary at 8888 W. 159th St. in Orland Hills with a party starting at 3 p.m. Sunday featuring the music of Maggie Speaks, a $1,000 bean bag tournament, a free pig roast, a dunk tank, burger eating contest and a chance to win a 9-day trip to Jamaica. For information, call 708-364-0100.

Breakfast Nook Now Open in Mokena

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Daniel Luna recently decided the time was right to stop cooking for other restaurant owners and took the plunge to open his own eatery.

The result is The Breakfast Nook, which opened three weeks ago today at 19140 S. 80th Avenue in Mokena. The location has been home to at least two other restaurants, Dragon Palace 2 and Sicilian Joe’s.

Its name is appropriate, too. The space is small but cozy with a handful of booths and tables.

Luna, 34, was the chef at Mary Todd’s in Frankfort and Egg Cetera Café in Mokena and has brought his culinary skills with him to The Breakfast Nook, which has an extensive menu ranging from skillets and omelets for breakfast to wraps and burgers for lunch. Tea drinkers take note, the teapots are enormous.

While Luna lords over the kitchen, Christina Billings – who worked with Luna at Egg Cetera – runs the dining room with one other waitress, who knew Luna from their days at Mary Todd’s.

“We were leaving Egg Cetera about the same time and he asked me if I wanted to come with him,” she said.

As for business?

“So far, so good,” Billings said, noting they haven’t even done much advertising yet.

The Breakfast Nook is open for breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. The phone number is 708-478-0908.

Five Below to Open Friday in Tinley Park
Five Below, a retailer that caters to the teen and tween market with everything priced from $1 to $5, will open Friday morning in Tinley Park’s Brookside Marketplace at 191st Street and Harlem Avenue.

The chain carries an assortment of merchandise including sporting goods, games, fashion accessories, jewelry, candy and snacks, books, DVDs, room décor and school supplies.

The chain was founded in 2002 by David Schlessinger, who also founded Encore Books and Zany Brainy.

Bayberry Pantry to Reopen Soon
Bayberry Pantry, 8004 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park, looks to be reopening soon under new ownership. The convenience store closed some time ago in the Bayberry Plaza at 171st and 80th Avenue.

CJ Frank Grand Reopening
CJ Frank & Son, a tax and accounting firm, is celebrating its reopening on Friday, Aug. 19, with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. at 18610 Burnham Ave. Suite A in Lansing. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Dominick's to Close in Orland Park

Dominick's is closing its store in Orland Park in early October.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Orland Park's supermarket scene, which took a hit earlier this year when Green Food and Produce closed in the former Bobak's Plaza at Wolf Road and 159th Street and then was rocked when Randy's Market shut down a couple of weeks ago, will suffer another blow on Oct. 2 when Dominick's closes its store at 15080 S. LaGrange Road.

"It was a business decision made by the company," Dominick's Director of Public Affairs Lauri Sanders said Wednesday.

"The Orland Park store is a casualty of not being able to be a part of a profitable business," she said.

Sanders did know how many workers would be affected by the shutdown, but said Dominick's was committed to helping them during the transition.

"Our goal is 100 percent transfer or absorption into the company," she said.

An employee at the Merrionette Park store on 115th Street said some workers there are afraid they will get bumped from their positions by workers with more seniority transferring from the Orland store.

A spokeswoman for Local 881 of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union said all non-management workers at the Orland store are members of the UFCW and by contract are allowed to transfer to other stores in the chain.

"Usually, transfers are done regionally," she said. "Workers from Orland Park most likely would transfer to nearby stores such as Palos Heights or Frankfort."

The Orland store was older and slightly smaller than newer stores and did not have some of the latest features such as a Blockbuster Express machine, Starbucks and an in-store Chase Bank.

Despite those losses, Orland Park grocery options are still plentiful with Aldi's, Jewel-Osco, Trader Joe's, Costco and Meijer stores open for business in the village.

Five Guys Opens Today in Orland Park, Sports Authority Open in Orland Hills

Sports Authority is holding its grand opening on Saturday.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Sports Authority welcomed its newest and biggest store at noon on Friday when the sports retailer opened its store at 9231 W. 159th St. in Orland Towne Center in Orland Hills.

The 56,000-square-feet store is in the former location of Circuit City and Office Max.

Mall owner Tony Youshaei told the Orland Patch in January said the new store would be a “flagship” for the chain.

The store will hold its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 13, starting at 8 a.m. The first 250 people in the store will receive mystery bucks with a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. The store also will have hourly drawings for a $100 gift card.

All next week, customers will be able to register to win a $1,000 shopping spree.

Helping celebrate the new store will be former Bears great Gary Fencik at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14, and Cubs closer Carlos Marmol at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18.

Hours for the new store will be 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

A website has specifically been made for Sports Authority Orland Hills. For information on the new store, call 708-226-5602.

New Five Guys Opens Today
Workers were being trained Sunday at the new Five Guys Burgers and Fries restaurant that will open Monday at 11 a.m. in the former Ginos East at 15840 S. Harlem Ave. in Orland Park (next to the Home Depot). It will be the second store location in Orland Park for the burger chain, and is affiliated with the Five Guys that has been open for a few years now at the entrance to the Target Greatland at 158th Street and LaGrange Road. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The phone number is 708-444-1140.

Super Fade Now Open
A new salon called Super Fade opened recently at 16709 S. 80th Avenue in Tinley Park. The salon is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. The phone number is 708-429-5034.

Johnny's Char-House Now Open in Orland Park in former Canoe Club

Johnny's Char-House is now open in Orland Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The giant aquarium is gone but the waterfall remains at Johnny’s Char-House, which opened a few weeks ago in the former Canoe Club at 15200 S. 94th Avenue in Orland Park.

Owner Jonathan Mantas is no stranger to the Southland. Johnny’s Char-House is his 17th restaurant venture. He also owns the Kingsberry restaurants in Oak Forest and Flossmoor and used to own Jonathan’s in Palos Heights.

Hours at the Char-House are Tuesday to Friday 4-11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday noon to 11 p.m.

For information, check out the Facebook page for Johnny's Char-House.

Silver Cross Encore Shop Open for Fall
The Encore Shop, Silver Cross Hospital’s resale store, is hosting its fall opening today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop is located on Walnut Street in Joliet just north of the Keck Emergency Pavilion. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations are welcome. For information, call the hospital’s Volunteers Services at 815-740-7117.

Open for Lunch
JH Sweis Catering, which has been offering catering for about two years, opened a Bistro a few weeks ago that serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10110 W. 191st St. in Mokena. The lunch menu includes salads, sandwiches and sides. The phone number is 708-478-7230. For information, check out the Facebook page for JH Sweis Catering.

That strip center has become something of a foodies paradise. Besides JH Sweis there is 191 South with Joe’s Italian Villa, EggCetera Café and El Cortez Mexican restaurant.

Catching up
The Hairspray Salon opened a few months ago in the Vineyards Plaza at 20491 S. LaGrange in Frankfort. The salon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 815-469-8998. For information, check out the Facebook page for Hairspray Salon.

Pet Deal of the Weekend
Pet owners can get free samples of natural pet foods and treats from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Joy’s Best Friends Best Bites at 13034 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park. Joy’s is definitely pet friendly.

Pepper Mill Now Open in Mokena

Pepper Mill opened recently in Mokena.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A new restaurant called Pepper Mill opened recently at 19137 S. Wolf Road in Mokena in space that has had its share of unsuccessful restaurants in recent years.

Manager Raul Angel, brother of owner Alfonso Angel, said he and his brother have had restaurants before and he likes Pepper Mill’s chances to succeed in Mokena.

“This is a good town to be in,” he said. “We’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which a lot of restaurants in Mokena are not.”

The casual, sit-down restaurant has an extensive menu and is open until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Sunday.

For information, call 708-478-8748.

Pompei Pizza to debut at Taste of Orland
Visitors to this year’s Taste of Orland Park, which starts Friday in the parking lot of the Orland Park Civic Center, will get a sneak preview of the fare offered by Pompei Pizza, which is set to open Aug. 22 at the Riviera Country Club, 8801 W. 143rd St. Pompei, which has been remodeling the space formerly occupied by RC Mulligans, will be serving Egg Plant Parmesan Sandwiches, Meatball Sandwiches, Melrose Pepper Strudel and Ravioli Pasta, all for $4.

Dee’s Creative Cookin’ Now Open
Danette Richardson, a cook and kitchen supervisor at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, recently opened her own restaurant across the street from the school. Dee’s Creative Cookin’ is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 525 Ashland Ave. Richardson had a similar business in Blue Island for four years before opening earlier this year in Chicago Heights. My colleague Mary Compton recently sat down with Richardson. You can find her story in the Chicago Heights Patch.

Country Charm Grows Again
The patio experiment is over at the Country Charm restaurant in New Lenox, which recently enclosed the outdoor space and turned it into another new dining room at Lincolnway Drive and U.S. 30 in New Lenox.

Catching Up
Irene’s Bakery (formerly Jean’s Bakery) in Harvey closed its door at the end of January after 63 years. The bakery was always a popular choice for pre-Lenten paczki.

Deal of the Heat Wave
Country Charm in New Lenox is selling 8-pound bags of ice for $1.

Ed and Joe’s Closes Mokena Location

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Ed and Joe's in Mokena closed last week.

Ed and Joe's Pizza owners Michael and Ellen Clark announced last week in their email newsletter that they were closing their restaurant at 19901 S. Wolf Road in Mokena.

Here’s what they said: We will no longer be operating at our Mokena location. We want to thank all of our wonderful customers for 3 great years. We will honor any coupons or gift cards here at our Tinley Park store. Please continue to visit our Tinley Park location as we transition through this process.The Mokena location was carryout and delivery only and lacked a dining room, which means it could never match the Tinley Park’s location for events such as visits from the Grinch or offer live music.

Thai Eatery Opens
Pad Thai, a new restaurant that features Thai cuisine, opened recently at 7301 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park. It has another location in Lexington, Ky. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The eatery’s phone number is 708-532-3939.

Bath and Body Works to Reopen This Week
The Bath and Body Works store at 16035 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park Plaza is scheduled to reopen Wednesday, Aug. 3, according to an email I received from the company last month. The store was closed about a month ago for remodeling.

Stoney Point Grill Expands
Stoney Point Grill is holding a grand opening this week for its new outdoor seating area at 19031 Old LaGrange Road in Mokena. The festivities climax with a Party on the Patio on Friday, Aug. 5, with drink tastings, bags tournament, free appetizers from 8-10 p.m. and live entertainment from 8-11 p.m.

Deal of the Week
Speedway has extended its gas discount at former Gas City locations to Aug. 14. Customers who use Speedy Rewards cards get 5 cents off a gallon of regular and mid-grade unleaded fuel while customers who opt for premium get 10 cents off a gallon. The company also has begun a Random Rewards program at those same stations. Customers who use their Speedy Rewards card inside the stores at those stations have a chance to win prizes including $10 gas cards, drinks, candy bars and snack bags.

Smoothie Rox Closes in Orland Park

Smoothie Rox closed recently in Orland Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Smoothie Rox, a coffee and fruit smoothie shop, has closed its doors at 13133 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

The shop is part of a company that franchises Smoothie Rox and Paradise Smoothie shops in Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

No word from owners Terry and Laura Kelly on what happened. The shop opened in May 2009.

Arthur Custom Homes closes
Home builder and remodeler Arthur Custom Homes appears to have closed. Its phone number is disconnected and its showroom has closed at 7657 St. Francis Road in Frankfort Square. The Village of Peotone is finding contractors to finish work on a subdivision that Arthur said on its website it was developing in that town.

Bettenhausen adds Fiat
Bettenhausen Auto Group has been growing like crazy since Chrysler almost went under a couple of years ago. The latest addition for the Tinley Park dealership is Fiat, which acquired the carmaker a couple of years ago.

Bettenhausen now sells Fiats at its longstanding location at 17514 S. Oak Park Ave. in downtown Tinley Park. So far, only Fiat 500s are in stock at the dealership, but more models are coming. It’s the only Fiat store in the Southland and one of only a handful in the Midwest. Also coming sometime in the future will be Alpha Romeos, another brand owned by Fiat.

Bettenhausen also moved its Dodge and Ram truck operations to the former Saturn dealership at 8355 W. 159th St. in Tinley Park.

It sells Chryslers and Jeeps from its location at 15941 S. 94th Avenue in Orland Park. There also is a used car lot south of the Fiat store on Oak Park Avenue.

Free Lego Mini-Models
Children from 6-14 can get free Lego mini-models on the first Tuesday of the month at the Orland Square Mall store. On Aug. 2, Lego is giving away Adirondack Chair models at 5 p.m. Free while supplies last.

Going Out of Business Sales at Borders, Sid’s Greenhouse

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

There are bargains to be had starting today in Orland Park and Palos Hills as Borders and Sid’s Greenhouse have each started going out of business sales.

Sid’s Greenhouse has been a fixture at 10926 Southwest Highway in Palos Hills for 50 years. The company announced earlier this week it would close its retail nursery and garden center locations in Palos and Bolingbrook because of the weak economy. More than 100 employees will lose their jobs when the stores close.

Liquidation discounts of 30-50 percent off regular prices are now being offered at both stores. Sid’s Reward Bucks are still redeemable for up to 50 percent of the regular price. Sid’s will be accepting cash, checks, credit cards, gift cards and gift certificates during the inventory closeout.

At Borders, 15620 S. LaGrange Road, discounts are starting at 40 percent of the original price. The book store is accepting gift cards throughout the liquidation sale, but Borders Bucks will expire on July 31.Borders Rewards Plus members will enjoy additional discounts for a week longer.

The retailer said Friday that up to 35 stores may reopen as Books-a-Million locations, but did not indicate which stores might be saved or how soon a deal could be reached.

Farewell for Randy’s Market
The community is invited to Randy’s Market at 14250 S. Ravinia (143rd Street and LaGrange Road) in Orland Park at 10 a.m. tomorrow for a Prayer of Thanksgiving by All Saints Lutheran Church Pastor Don Borling. The store will end its 25-year run at 6 p.m. to make way for the village’s Main Street Triangle project.

Orland Borders Open as Usual

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The last remaining Borders bookstore in the Southland at 15620 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park is open and doing business as usual, until Thursday. That's when the retailer will ask the U.S. bankruptcy court to approve liquidation of the chain's remaing 399 stores.

On Thursday, the court is expected to sign off on the plan to shutter the stores by the end of September.

A manager at the Orland store said Tuesday that details will emerge after Thursday's court hearing but what she has heard so far is that gift cards will be redeemed throughout the liquidation and rewards will be accepted for at least the first two weeks of the liquidation.

"It sounds like rewards won't be accepted after the first two weeks," said the manager, who declined to give her name.

She also said customers were pouring into the store on Tuesday.

"It's been busier today than the past three days combined," she said. "I think it's people wanting to use up their gift cards. But we've been told gift cards will be accepted until the end."

Rosati’s Takes Over Piazza’s in Mokena

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Piazza’s Pizza closed last week at 19608 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena. But it is expected to reopen Tuesday as a Rosati’s Pizza.

The phone number is remaining the same 708-479-9400 but there are a few changes coming. For one, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Friday. For another, the menu is changing. To get an idea of the new menu, visit http://www.rosatislockport.com/. The owner of that location is taking over the Mokena site.

There apparently are two pizza chains called Rosati’s that have a common ancestor. One is based in Warrenville and the other in Elgin. The Mokena and Lockport locations are part of the Elgin group, which uses http://www.myrosatis.com/ as its website.

Mexican restaurant closes in South Holland
Taquitos Munoz closed recently at 253 E. 162nd St. in South Holland. The eatery had been open for about a year when it shut its doors.

Oak Forest businesses relocate
Pup N Suds, a dog grooming service, recently relocated from 15159 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Forest to a new home a couple of blocks away at 4815 W. 155th St. The hours and phone number remain the same 708-687-4409.

Also moving was Great Clips, which moved its salon from 15825 S. Central Ave. to 5536 W. 159th St. The hours and phone number remain the same 708-535-9890.

El Cortez closes Orland location
El Cortez on June 26 closed its restaurant at 17171 S. Wolf Road in Orland Park. A manager at the nearby Mokena location said there wasn’t enough business at the Orland site to keep it open.

There had been lots of speculation that the Orland restaurant’s days were numbered after the chain opened at 10128 W. 191st St. in Mokena, which has proved to be quite popular. The flagship restaurant also remains open at 183rd Street and Cicero Avenue in Country Club Hills.

Deal of the week
A reminder that Speedway is giving discounts to Speedy Rewards card holders through July at locations acquired from Gas City earlier this summer. Card holders who swipe their cards get 5 cents off per gallon of regular and mid-range and 10 cents per gallon off premium. The chain also is selling any size iced tea or soft drink beverage for 67 cents.

Salina's Has New Home in Tinley Park

Salina's has a new home in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

In case you wondered where they went, Salina’s moved into bigger and better digs at 7551 W. 175th St. in Tinley Park.

The company, which started in Oak Lawn in 1995 moved into Tinley Park in 2000, now calls itself Salina’s Catering Pizza & Rentals, which reflects its restaurant business with pizza, sandwiches and pasta, catering business for parties large and small, and rental business that can provide tables, chairs and tents for events.

Owner Neal Hummitsch said the company moved from three storefronts on 80th Avenue into a single building with lots more space and an oversized kitchen.

Hummitsch also said that for a limited time, Salina’s is offering a large (14-inch) cheese pizza for only $4.99.

“We want to stir things up a little bit to get customers to stop by our new location,” Hummitsch said.
“We want to create a little buzz for a few weeks.”

Hours at the new location remain Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday noon to 9 p.m.

But those hours can be expanded.
“We can cater 24 hours a day,” Hummitsch said. “In case there’s a business that has a night shift.”

For information, call Salina’s at 708-614-9100 or visit their website at Salina's Pizza & Catering. You can also follow them at Salina's on Facebook and Salina's on Twitter.

Komo’s Closes in Lansing
Another longtime southeast suburban business shut its doors recently with the closing of Komo’s Meats, Deli and Catering at 18036 S. Torrence Ave. in Lansing.

Owner Skip Komorowski said he closed the business after 33 years because he was retiring and his kids have their own businesses. He started at the store 50 years ago when it was called Lan-Oak Food. He changed the name after buying the business.

Komorowski, 67, was a daily fixture at the store right until the end despite suffering a heart attack and stroke.

“The worse thing is I can’t drink anymore,” he said with a laugh.

Komorowski said he intends to do a lot of fishing from his 27-foot Ranger in the future and may “do a little catering on the side.”

Bachrach Closed Temporarily
Bachrach at Orland Square Mall is temporarily closed for remodeling as the mall makes room for Francesca’s Collections, which is coming to the lower level Macy’s Court. Bachrach will reopen later this month.

Bath and Body Works Reopening
The Bath and Body Works store at 16035 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park Plaza will be reopening Aug. 3 after a remodel.

Deal of the Week
Salina’s large cheese pizza (14-inch) $4.99. Call 708-614-9100. Or order online at http://www.cateringbysalinas.com/.

 

Jewel to Close Store in Olympia Fields

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Without a change of heart by its corporate parent, Supervalu, the Jewel-Osco at 2500 Lincoln Highway in Olympia Fields will close its Osco pharmacy next week and the supermarket by the end of August. A TCF bank inside the store will stay open until October.

Olympia Fields officials are hoping – against hope probably – that the decision could be rescinded now that ownership of the retail plaza has changed hands and its new owners may be willing to make favorable changes in its lease agreement. The village has been in talks with Supervalu for the past two years to upgrade the aging store and has reportedly offered incentives to keep the store in the village.
A news release on Friday said the decision was based in part on poor performance.

The store’s 80 employees are unionized and some may be able to transfer to other Southland Jewel-Osco stores.

Jewel stores are under assault in many areas from stores such as Aldi and Food 4 Less that are far cheaper, which is a consideration given the still iffy economic situation many are facing.

Berkot’s in Lockport
Following up on an earlier item, Mokena-based Berkot’s Foods will be officially opening its new store at 500 Summit Drive in Lockport on July 28.

Chicken Deal at Chick-fil-A
Fans of the chicken sandwiches at Chick-fil-A have the chance to get free food on Friday at the restaurant at 15605 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park, or any other location for that matter. There is a catch. You have to dress like a cow. Chick-fil-A is making it easy, there’s a website that you can visit to download a cow costume kit at Cow Appreciation Day. The more you dress like a cow the more free food you will get. http://www.cowappreciationday.com/

If that doesn’t appeal to you, the restaurant also is giving away free Chicken Egg & Cheese Bagels from 6-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 7.

Sonic Opens in Calumet City

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy


Sonic Drive-In fans in the Southeast Suburbs and Northwest Indiana no longer have to travel to Country Club Hills to get their fill of the chain’s hot dogs, burgers and frozen concoctions now that a restaurant has opened at 1299 Torrence Ave. in Calumet City.

The restaurant in the River Oaks Mall parking lot a couple of blocks south of 159th Street is the chain’s third in the Southland – joining Sonic eateries in Country Club Hills and Lockport. Its hours are 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

For information, visit Sonic Drive-In Calumet City.

Stateline Bakery closes
Paul and Joan Steffens have pulled the plug on their Stateline Bakery in Calumet City after decades of making some of the best atomic cakes, pastries and paczki in the Southland. The couple tried for years to sell the business but had no takers so they called it quits as of last June 26. Paul has indicated he will keep busy baking special orders such as wedding cakes but had enough of the daily grind.
Joan said the decision was “bittersweet” after so many years but she’s looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren.

Sephora opens in Orland
A Sephora beauty salon opened recently inside the J.C. Penney store in Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. The salon is open during store hours, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ashley Stewart relocates at Ford City
The Ashley Stewart women’s fashion store has moved into its new digs near Carsons at Ford City Mall in Chicago. Mall hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sarku Japan at Chicago Ridge Mall
Sarku Japan, a quick service teriyaki and sushi restaurant, opened recently in the Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall food court.

Ultimate Exposure closes in Tinley
The Ultimate Exposure tanning salon closed recently at 16650 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. But a new Ultimate Exposure took over the salon at 17821 S. 80th Avenue in the Tinley Corners shopping center.

Deal of the month: Speedway
Speedway is rolling back gas prices at gas stations it acquired recently from Gas City for holders of the chain’s Speedy Rewards card. Members can save 5 cents per gallon on regular and plus fuels and 10 cents per gallon on premium fuel from July 1-31. Stations include those in Tinley Park, Frankfort, Mokena and New Lenox. For a complete list of stations, visit Speedway July Gas Deal.

Jersey Mike's Sub Shop to Open Wednesday in Orland Park

Jersey Mike's will open Wednesday in Orland Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Lisa Furleigh and Mac Shimmon are well versed in the restaurant business. Between them they have more than 60 years of experience and have toiled for several food companies including Dunkin’ Donuts, Wendy’s and, for Shimmon, a stint with the Whataburger chain in the Southwest U.S.

Once they decided it was time to open their own restaurant, they said it was an easy choice to hook up with Jersey Mike’s subs.

They will open a store on Wednesday at 15625 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. It will be the 21st Jersey Mike’s in the Chicago-area, with plans to open 28 by year's end. The chain’s first store in northern Illinois opened in Vernon Hills in 2009. A location opened last fall in Tinley Park.

Shimmon said he was particularly impressed by Jersey Mike’s corporate philosophy of giving back to the community.

“That reminded me of the way Dave Thomas ran Wendy’s. His philosophy always was ‘We need to be giving back to the community.’ And that’s the same philosophy as Jersey Mike’s.”

Toward that end, Shimmon and Furleigh are hosting grand opening fundraisers for both Andrew and Sandburg high school as well as the Greater Illinois Chapter of the National MS Society.

“If you come in and make a donation of at least $1, you get a free sandwich,” said Furleigh. “We are having two weeks of grand opening fundraisers instead of the usual one week.”

Besides the MS Society, the Orland Jersey Mike’s will be raising money for Sandburg High School and the Sandburg Music Boosters to help pay the band’s way to Hawaii in December for the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

After that fundraiser is over, the restaurant will raise money for the Andrew High School Parent Faculty Student Organization and the Andrew Music Boosters.

Furleigh said one aspect that attracted her to Jersey Mike’s was the quality of the food.
“It’s as good as what you get at home,” she said. “Everything is cooked in the store. It’s all fresh. And it tells in the sandwiches that we sell. You can taste the difference.”

She also said a New Jersey native talked her into adding something called Tasty Kakes to the menu.

“She said we weren’t a Jersey restaurant if we didn’t have Tasty Kakes,” said Furleigh with a laugh. “They are comparable to Hostess.”

Furleigh said she and Shimmon have a deal to open 10 Jersey Mike’s along LaGrange Road from U.S. 30 in Frankfort to North Avenue in Oak Park. She said their second store is expected to open next spring in Frankfort.

“This store is small (about 1,500 square feet) compared to what we’d like,” she said. The Orland Park store will have 22 employees when it opens.

The Orland Park store will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For information, visit Jersey Mike's Subs or check out their Facebook page at Jersey Mike’s Orland Park.

Performance Bicycle Open in Orland Park

Performance Bicycle is now open in Orland Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Performance Bicycle is holding its grand opening this weekend at 15876 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

The store in the Lake View Plaza is the chain's sixth in the Chicago area. It has a huge selection of bikes, helmets, shoes, jerseys, shorts and bike parts.

Grand opening specials include the first 100 adults through the door Friday, Saturday and Sunday each receive a free $20 Money Card. Recycle your used bike tubes, get a free $5 money card (up to three tubes). Spin the Prize Wheel until 3 p.m. each day.

Special grand opening hours: Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Regular hours will be Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For information, visit their website at Performance Bicycle.

Smashburger to Open Wednesday in Oak Lawn

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Brace yourselves, Oak Lawn, you are about to get smashed.

Not to worry, though, this smash tastes good and doesn’t leave a mark.

Smashburger will open its fifth Chicago-area gourmet hamburger restaurant on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at 5139 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn.

"We are excited to bring Smashburger to the southern suburbs and thought Oak Lawn was the ideal place to start," said Brian Beers, Regional Director of Operations.

Some lucky residents have already been picked to get an early taste of the Smashburger during an invitation-only sneak peek today. Among them is expected to be Mayor Dave Heilmann, who is scheduled to welcome the restaurant to Oak Lawn with a ceremonial smash of the first burger at 4:30 p.m.

According to its website, the smash is what makes Smashburger unique among the gourmet hamburger restaurants flocking to Chicago in recent years.

Smashburger says everything starts with a meatball of 100 percent Angus beef that is smashed onto a flat grill when ordered. The smash sears the burger and seals in the juices. Burgers are then customized with a variety of extras including traditional items such as cheese and lettuce and some not-so-traditional items such as fried egg and guacamole.

Aside from its title creation, Smashburger also serves an assortment of chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries and salads. There are also dishes for vegetarians, including fried pickles and veggie frites (flash-fried asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans).

You can get soft drinks, Haagen-Dazs milkshakes as well as beer and wine.

The Oak Lawn store is the fifth in the Chicago area with another five to open later this year. The Denver-based chain has more than 100 stores nationwide, and is looking for more in the Chicago-area.

"We are looking at several locations throughout Chicago, but do not have confirmed locations for 'southern' suburbs," said Beers.

Smashburger has no drive-through but can seat 65 people in its 2,000-square-foot Oak Lawn location. The company calls itself fast casual, which means customers order their food at a counter and their orders are brought to the table. The store will have 30 employees.

One unique aspect to the Oak Lawn store is its sign.

"The sign outside is one of the biggest in the company and can even be seen from airplanes departing from Midway," said Beers.

Smashburger will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Customers can join the Smash Club to get coupons and food deals sent to them via email.

For more information, visit Smashburger of Oak Lawn or check them out on Facebook.

Hibachi Grill now open
The Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, which bills itself as a Chinese, Japanese and American cuisine eatery, opened recently at 112 Town Center Road in Matteson (in the plaza with Toys R Us and Chuck E. Cheese). The restaurant is open Monday to Saturday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and dinner from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dinner is served all day on Sunday. They even offer buffet to go. The phone number is 708-679-8905.

Today's "blow-out" deal
Frederic Fekkai luxury hair products is offering free "Blow-Outs" to customers from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday and from 1-4 p.m. Thursday at Ulta stores in Lakeview Plaza in Orland Park and Brookside Marketplace in Tinley Park. Consumers can have either the Silky Straight or Full Blown Volume. The promotion is their way to celebrate the start of summer. The company recommends you call for an appointment. For information, visit http://www.fekkai.com/ or http://www.ulta.com/.

Berkot’s Moving Into Lockport

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

My sister-in-law was beside herself when the Fairway Finer Foods store closed in Lockport a few weeks ago.She really, really liked their potato salad and brownies.

She should be happy to learn though that the Fairway store (formerly Sterk’s) at 500 Summit Drive is being converted into a Berkot’s Super Foods store.

There’s no timetable for opening the store, but workers are inside the building getting it ready for reopening sometime this summer.

Berkot’s is based in Mokena and has 12 supermarkets throughout northern and eastern Will County.

The chain is well-regarded for its meat department and has some of the best beer prices around.

 For more information, visit their website at Berkot's Super Foods.

As for Fairway, the Dolton-based supermarket chain still has two stores in Dolton and another (former Sterk’s) store in Sauk Village.

Fat Jonnie’s Daughter closes
The Fat Jonnie’s Daughter hot dog stand closed recently at 9432 W. 191st St. in Mokena. 

Puppy Shop closes in Palos
The Puppy Shop, which opened in December at 12226 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights, has closed already. Owner Abraham Ronces said problems with permits and unexpected problems with the store’s water heater would have been too costly to repair. The store sold puppies and offered grooming services, and Ronces had ambitious plans for the future. He still sells puppies and offers grooming from his original store in Berwyn.

Deal of the week: Free pizza at Speedway
Speedway gas stations that serve fresh pizza (and not all of them do) will be giving away a free slice from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 27. Limit of one slice to a customer.

Aldi to open Friday in Chicago Ridge

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

The Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall Aldi store is holding its grand opening at 10 a.m. Friday.

Grand opening events include the chance to win groceries for an entire year, the chance to win tickets to see Glee Live on Stage, and $10 gift certificates for every $100 you spend at your favorite mall stores all weekend. Just bring your receipts dated May 20-22 to the Concierge Center.

The Radio Disney AM 1300 Road Crew will be on hand beginning at noon Saturday. Live entertainment will be going on from noon to 4 p.m. all three days including live music, face painting and balloon artists.

The idea of a grocery store in a mall may seem new to younger generations but Jewel supermarkets were original tenants of both Ford City shopping center on the Southwest Side and River Oaks Mall in Calumet City when they both opened in the mid-1960s; though both left within a few years.

For more information, visit their website at http://www.aldifoods.com/ or click here.

Simply Smokin’ closes
Simply Smokin, the latest restaurant to try its luck at 10211 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, is closed, the apparent victim of an eviction.

Frankfort police told the Frankfort Station newspaper that the owners of the restaurant were evicted a couple of weeks ago. The story indicated the restaurant’s furnishings were strewn about in front of the restaurant, which would be consistent with an eviction.

Funny thing is, when the restaurant opened last summer, the Daily Southtown reported that its operators were longtime owners of the property.

Another funny thing is that the property is listed for sale with a couple of local real estate companies. The asking price is $1.3 million and all of the listings say the owner is retiring.

The string of failures there is puzzling considering all of the traffic that Lincoln Highway gets.

Gas City stations are now Speedways
The 17 Gas City stations bought by Speedway at the bankruptcy auction last month were rebranded last week. Hope you used your Gold Card rewards because they didn’t carry over to Speedway’s Speedy Rewards program. There were 4 stations in Frankfort, 3 in Homer Glen, 2 in Mokena, 2 in New Lenox and single stores in Tinley Park, Shorewood, Oswego, Naperville, Romeoville and Darien. It doesn’t appear the new Speedways will carry E85 fuel. For more information, visit their website at http://www.speedway.com/.

Golden Rose opening at Chicago Ridge
Another store opening at Chicago Ridge Mall on Friday is Golden Rose USA cosmetics. The store will be across the way from Aldi. For more information, visit their website at http://www.goldenroseusa.com/ or visit their Facebook page.

Deal of the day
If you like buffets, here’s a deal. Go to Old Country Buffet’s Facebook page and click the “Like” button. You will be able to print a coupon good for one free dinner buffet with the purchase of another dinner buffet and a beverage. The coupon is good through Wednesday night.

Five Below store for tweens and teens opens in Orland Hills

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A new kind of dollar store aimed at the preteen and teen crowd opened in 10 locations in Chicagoland on Friday including stores at the Orland Town Center at 159th Street and 94th Avenue.

Grand opening promotions included nickel hot dogs, free T-shirts and a shopping spree.

Five Below carries merchandise ranging from fashions to consumer electronics to candy and snacks, all priced from $1 to $5.

The chain, which had 145 stores in 13 states mostly on the East Coast, is preparing a second wave of openings this summer including a store at 191st Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park’s Brookside Marketplace.

Store hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For information, call the Orland store at 708-403-2185 or visit the website at http://www.fivebelow.com/. The chain also has a Facebook page.

Gas station face-liftThe Clark gas station at 16836 Oak Park Ave. is being rebranded as a Marathon station. The station is closed while signage is changed and the station undergoes a brief remodel.

Deal of the weekThis may not appeal to everybody, but comic book lovers can get free comic books on Saturday at Amazing Fantasy Books & Comics stores in Frankfort, Tinley Park, Calumet City and Lockport. The giveaway runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or as long as supplies last. In past years, the stores have had appearances by costume characters and autograph sessions by comic book authors and artists. For more information, visit http://www.afbooks.com/.

Empire Books to close in Frankfort

Paula Ingram plans to take her book store online.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Empire Books will close its doors in Frankfort by the end of the month, but owner Paula Ingram’s passion for books will continue in the form on an online book store.

“I’m taking the store online,” she said. “You can do everything online.”

Ingram is bittersweet about the closing.

On one hand, “We had a good run,” she said about the store that opened five years ago. “I was hoping it would last, but it’s time to move on to a new adventure.”

On the other hand, “I get my life back in some fashion. It’s been me by myself every day for five years.”

She also doesn’t think the end is near for printed books even though book stores are disappearing at an alarming rate.

“I think there will always be a demand for printed books,” she said hopefully. “There’s just something about the feel of a book and the act of turning pages that you don’t get with an electronic reader.”

The store at 20879 S. LaGrange Road in the Walt’s Food plaza will stay open until April 30. Prices have been lowered on everything in the store, including the fixtures and furniture.

For information, call 815-469-0723 or visit her online store at http://www.empirebooksshop.net/.

Pizza Mia opens in FrankfortFranchise owner Bob Chavez opened the latest Pizza Mia restaurant at 19860 S. Harlem Ave. in Frankfort on April 4. Other stores are in Homer Glen and New Lenox.

The Frankfort pizzeria offers carryout and catering and plans to add delivery on May 2, Chavez said. “We are hiring drivers right now and making sure the staff is fully trained before we start delivery.”

Chavez, of Lockport, said he chose the Frankfort location because “there was a lot of name recognition and demand from the Frankfort area.”

He said response so far has been great, especially from the high school students at Lincoln-Way North, which is about a block away.

“We have some kids from the school working here,” he said.

Pizza Mia is open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 3-11 p.m. and Sunday from 3-10 p.m.

For information, call 815-806-8300 or visit http://www.pizzamiaonline.com/.

Ford City happeningsThe shopping center at 71st Street and Cicero Avenue recently lost women’s apparel store New York & Co. but is adding space where Montgomery Ward used to be for new stores. In the meantime, the mall’s JCPenney store added a portrait studio and the Carson’s added a Casual Male Big & Tall department.

Chicago Ridge happeningsWestfield Chicago Ridge Mall recently lost its Whispers Coffee and Tea kiosk, but the mall at 95th Street and Ridgeland added a Mandee women’s apparel store last week. Pierre’s Café also is coming soon to the Bed, Bath & Beyond Court.

Arrenello’s reopens in GlenwoodArrenello’s Pizza, which was temporarily closed by a recent fire in a neighboring business, has reopened at 325 Glenwood-Lansing Road in Glenwood.

Orland Cold Stone reopensA tip from a reader: The Cold Stone Creamery reopened recently at 16135 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. The store is open Sunday to Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. and from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Deal of the weekSubway is offering 6-inch Cold Cut Combo or Meatball sandwiches for $2 through the end of April.

New Eva's Bridals opens in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy


Eva's Bridal International now open in Tinley Park.



A new store for brides opened about a month ago at 18219 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park in the former Le Spose Di Angela Bridal Boutique.

Eva’s Bridal International is a couture salon with higher end wedding gowns from national and international designers, according to store manager Brianna Jackson.

Although Eva’s of Tinley Park is not affiliated with Eva’s of Oak Lawn, which was devastated by a fire back in November, the new store is helping brides whose wedding plans were affected by the fire.

“We are taking care of brides for Eva’s of Oak Lawn,” said Jackson. “Until they have their new store ready.”

On its website, Eva’s of Oak Lawn’s promises an announcement soon about its new home in Oak Lawn and recommends its brides visit Eva’s of Tinley Park in the meantime.

Eva’s of Tinley has been holding trunk sales, and offers bridal parties, said Jackson.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call 708-444-4370 or visit their website at http://www.evasbridalsoftinleypark.com/ or their >Facebook page.

Funeral home open house

Van Henkelum Funeral Home, which recently opened a new facility in Palos Heights after being without a permanent home in the village for a few years, is holding an open house from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday at 13401 S. Ridgeland Ave. in its new home in a strip center. The public is invited and there will be light refreshments. For more information, call 708-448-3530 or visit their website at http://www.vanhenkelum.com/.

Grocery store opens in Chicago Heights

Kroger opened one of its Food 4 Less discount grocery stores last month at 1333 S. Western Ave. in Chicago Heights in a former Dominick’s Finer Foods. The new store is open 24 hours daily and is one of its larger locations.

Deal of the week

Here’s a great deal if you’re a golfer. Tuckaway Golf Club in Crete is celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering two special two-year memberships. The first one costs $198 and lets you golf free Monday to Friday until Dec. 31, 2012. The second one costs $398 and lets you golf free seven days a week and holidays until Dec. 31, 2012. For information or to get in on this deal, call 708-946-2259.

Sullivan's Irish Pub has timely opening on St. Patrick's Day

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Sullivan’s Irish Pub & Eatery opened today just in time for St. Patrick’s Day at 4660 W. 147th St. in Midlothian.

The Irish pub is in the former Papa T’s nightclub.

Owner Danny Kelly has moved the stage to accommodate more diners but still plans to offer music later in the evening.

Hours will be noon to 1 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. to midnight on Sunday. The pub is closed on Mondays.

For information, call 708-385-9200 or visit their Facebook page.

Sub shop sinks in New Lenox

Quiznos sandwich shop closed recently at 1872 East Lincoln Highway in New Lenox, across the street from Lincoln-Way Central High School.

Creamery open for season

Creamery locations in Mokena, Homer Glen and Frankfort reopened last week, the locations in New Lenox, Manhattan and Orland Hills are reopening tomorrow and the Manteno location reopens next Friday.

Back again this season is Weenie Wednesday with jumbo hotdogs going for 99 cents, Turtle Tuesdays with special prices for Turtle sundaes, and Rainbow cones. Milkshake Mondays have been canceled for this season, unfortunately.

For information, visit their >Facebook page.

Qdoba opens in Oak Lawn

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Qdoba Mexican Grill opened its second south suburban restaurant at 5137 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn starting with breakfast burritos at 7 a.m. today.

There also will be prizes galore for opening day customers who will get the chance to spin a prize wheel during lunch.

“We thought Oak Lawn had the right kind of mix for Qdoba,” said company spokeswoman Lauren Glatthorn. “There are lots of families with kids. The community appreciates homemade food, which is what we offer.”
“Chicago is a great market for us,” said Glatthorn. Oak Lawn will be Qdoba’s 21st location in Illinois including one in an outlot at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park.

There will be a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday.

The new eatery features Mexican cuisine including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, tortilla soup, nachos and taco salad.

The Oak Lawn location is about 2,300 square feet with seating for about 95 people. The new eatery will have between 20 and 30 employees, almost all from the Oak Lawn area.

Glatthorn said there will be lots of offers when the restaurant opens, especially online. The Denver-based chain also has a rewards program for frequent customers.

“We definitely do a lot of social media,” said Glatthorn. “We will have lots of offers including buy one, get one free deals at our Facebook page.”

Regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. For information, call 708-422-0336 or visit the company website at http://www.qdoba.com/.

House of Hughes closes in Crestwood

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The House of Hughes, which had been going by Hughes since its original owners sold a few years back, closed its doors recently at 14300 S. Cicero Ave. in Crestwood.

A second location at 201 Maple Street (Lincoln Highway) in New Lenox is still open under the name The Station House, but its future is uncertain.

House of Hughes once was a premiere dining establishment in the Southland. My aunt and uncle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there a few years ago and the place was beautifully decorated for the Christmas holidays and everyone had a great time.

Service and the quality of food had been going downhill in recent years and there are dozens of negative reviews posted at online sites such as Yelp.

There used to be several of these kind of restaurants in the south suburbs. You could go there with the family or on a date or for a birthday or graduation celebration. But they are disappearing. So sad.

Qdoba coming to Oak LawnQdoba Mexican Grill is scheduled to open next week at 5137 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. It will be only the second Qdoba in the Southland, joining one in an outlot at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. The Denver-based company is planning a series of grand opening specials. For more information, visit their website at http://www.qdoba.com/ or visit them at Facebook www.facebook.com/qdobachicago.

Sbarro’s open again in Chicago RidgeSbarro’s is open again inside Chicago Ridge Mall after undergoing a face-lift.

New name for Mexican grillAsado Mexican Grill, which opened last year at 9516 W. 179th St. in Tinley Park with the promise of a 5-pound burrito, changed hands recently and is now known as Speedy Mexican Grill. The phone number is still 708-429-9100 and the hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, but the menu has changed and the monster burrito is no more.

Japanese restaurant opens in Mokena

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Another restaurant that combines steak and sushi opened last week in Mokena.
Zuki Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi opened Feb. 20 at 11230 Lincoln Highway in the former Blockbuster store across the street from the JC Penney.

Manager Amy Ni said the restaurant features hibachi-style cooking at your table as well as sushi. There also is a full-service bar. She said there was seating for 90 at the hibachi tables and 60 at the sushi tables.

Ni said the restaurant is planning a grand opening with the Mokena Chamber of Commerce.

Ni said the eatery is not part of any chain.

Zuki is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and for dinner from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 2:30-10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and for dinner only on Sunday from 1-9 p.m.

For information, call 815-806-1888 or visit their website at http://www.zukiteppanyaki.com/. Teppan Yaki means hibachi in Japanese, Ni said.

Gas City update
Bids were due Wednesday for the first round of the bankruptcy auction for Gas City stations and convenience stores. The second round of bids is due March 23. The final auction is scheduled for April 4.

And in a new development, the Wall Street Journal reported this week that William A. McEnery, whose father William J. McEnery owns Gas City, Green Garden Country Club and the Creamery ice cream parlors, has offered almost $3 million to buy the Creamery chain out of bankruptcy. Bids are due by March 25 with an auction for the ice cream parlors scheduled for March 28.

A sign at the Creamery on Wolf Road in Mokena says it is taking applications tomorrow, so someone is anticipating the chain reopening this spring.

Green Garden Country Club is a mess. The dome was knocked down in early February and is out of action until the fall. The course’s website says the course is closed until April 1 while a message at its phone number says the course is open for walkers. Calls to the pro shop went unanswered.

The message also said the restaurant is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Flexeon Rehab opens clinic in Mokena

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A new Flexeon Rehab clinic has opened at 9442 W. 191st St. in Mokena in the strip center next to Denny’s.

The new clinic is Flexeon’s 17th location and its director, Josh Feigl, also runs the Flexeon clinic at Bankview Drive and LaGrange Road in Frankfort.

The Mokena clinic will specialize in hand rehab therapy.

Laura Jo DeFalco will be the occupational therapist at the Mokena location.

For information, call 708-478-7565 or visit http://www.flexeonrehabclinics.com/.

Rockzorz closes in Frankfort
Owners Galaxia Martin and Erin Throw closed the Frankfort location of their Rockzorz Salon and Spa last month. Their Joliet location remains open.

Sweet shop opens in Mokena
The Sweet Company had its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Monday at 19806 S. Wolf Road in Mokena. Billing itself as an ice cream, coffee and candy shop, the Sweet Company is open daily in the first floor of a multi-use building just south of the railroad tracks. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit their website at http://www.shopthesweetcompany.com/ or check out their Facebook page.

Eggheadz opens in Tinley Park
A new breakfast and lunch place has opened in the former Wheatfield’s location at 16952 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park’s historic district. Eggheadz Café opened a few weeks ago and is a fitting successor to Wheatfield’s. Hours are daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Deal of the week
Forget taco Tuesdays, El Famous Burrito is offering $1 tacos on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Visit their website to find a location near you http://www.elfamousburrito.com/.

White Castle opens Sunday in New Lenox

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

White Castle slides into New Lenox this weekend when the restaurant chain opens its newest store at 9 a.m. Sunday at 401 E. Lincoln Highway (in front of the new Walmart) after a private ribbon cutting ceremony this morning. The restaurant will be open 24 hours a day.

Cornerstone Café closes
You can’t fault Chad Reno for not trying. He took over Millie’s Ice Cream at 5172 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn at the end of 2008. When that floundered, he shut down and after tinkering with the menu reopened last Memorial Day as the Cornerstone Café. Alas, that effort has also failed. Reno closed the café for good on Jan. 30.

But the café may yet return. Reno said on the Oak Lawn Patch he might try reopening in the Oak Lawn Library, which has lost its in-house coffee house yet again with the recent closing of Bonjour Café, which just opened in November.

Lynnie Ques opens second location
Lynn Cartwright just opened the second location for her barbecue restaurant Lynnie Ques at 519 Chicago Road in Thornton, just south of Thornwood High School. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The phone number of the new store is 708-877-1111. The website is http://www.lynnieques.com/. The original Lynnie Ques just celebrated its second anniversary at 19267 Burnham Ave. in Lansing.

Tattoo school closes in Tinley
The Art of Body Coloring School of Tattooing closed recently at 17129 S. 88th Avenue in Tinley Park. The school, one of about 20 in the United States, was opened in November 2009 by Bette Baron.

Famous Footwear closes in Lemont
The Famous Footwear store closed recently at 13462 S. Archer Ave. in Lemont.

Marc Alan Salon opens in Mokena

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy



Marc Alan Salon opened last week in Mokena.

 Marc Alan Salon and Day Spa finally opened last week at 19070 S. Everett Blvd. in Mokena. The spa had originally hoped to be open by the end of last year.

It is the second location for Marc Alan, which has its original location in Flossmoor. The new location offers the same services as the original. including hair care, nails, skin care, body care and full days at the Spa.

Hours for the Mokena location are Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday from noon to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The phone number is 708-478-0772 and their web site is http://www.marcalandayspa.com/.

Southie's Subs opens in CrestwoodA sandwich shop that claims it has the only authentic South Philly cheesesteak sandwich in Chicago opened earlier this month at 13215 S. Cicero Crestwood. Southie's Subs is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and delivers. The phone number is 708-396-9920.

For more information and to view its menu, visit its web site at http://www.southiessubs.com/ or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southies-Subs/162562007112319.

Dina's Cuts opens in PalosA fourth Dina's Great Cuts opened recently at 12764 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights. The phone number is 708-361-7995. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

Dollar store opens in South Holland

Top Dollar Deals opened last month in South Holland.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Top Dollar Deals opened in South Holland on Dec. 4 at 1010 E. 162nd St. in the Pacesetter Plaza.

Owner LeRoy Nicki Sykes says “about 85 percent of our merchandise is $1 or less but we have some items that are a little more expensive.”

Sykes said she chose South Holland because of the location and need.

“I saw a wide open market where there was a need for this kind of store,” she says.

The response, she says, has been good.
"It’s been going so well I’m in the process of hiring another employee,” says Sykes, who opened with one employee besides herself.

Before opening the 3,000-square-foot store, Sykes worked for nine years for AT&T. Now, she’s a full-time business owner.

Top Dollar Deals is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and she just added Sunday hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call Top Dollar Deals at 708-331-8772.

Walgreens grand opening
Walgreens held a grand opening last week for its new store at 111th Street and Kedzie in Chicago's Mount Greenwood community, which opened for business several weeks ago. The new store replaces an existing store but is larger and features a drive-through pharmacy. The Walgreens is part of a development project that also calls for a Dunkin Donuts in a renovated building at the intersection.

Best One now open
The Best One massage and nail spa opened recently at 16902 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. The spa is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The phone number is 708-532-3103.

Bistro now open
Carmen's Jazz Bistro opened a few weeks ago at 7210 W. College Drive in Palos Heights.Carmine's features French and international cuisine, cocktails and wine along with live jazz. The bistro is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30-11 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Their phone number is 708-361-JAZZ. They also have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/carmensjazzbistro.

Outlet store closing
Furniture Manufactures Outlet store at Weber and Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill is holding a going out of business sale. The store is open Thursday to Tuesday. For more information, call 815-725-1165 or visit http://www.furnituremanoutlet.com/.

New Orland resale store holds grand opening Saturday

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Furniture Thrift Warehouse, a non-profit resale shop operated by Calvary Charities, is holding its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 9622 W. 147th St. in Orland Park.

As part of its celebration, the store is giving away a 36-inch Sony tube television and an Edison Victrola, said store manager Ken Fedynich. Broadcasters from Shine FM (89.7) at Olivet Nazarene University will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The store features used furniture in great condition for great prices. Items include couches, dining and kitchen sets, bedroom furniture, televisions and more.

The store also accepts donations. Proceeds from the sales go to help the homeless, unemployed and addicted.

For more information, call 708-949-8133 or visit http://www.furinturethrift.webs.com/.

Fatburger bows outThe Fatburger gourmet hamburger store at 15110 S. La Grange Road in Orland Park is shutting down as of the close of business today. It opened two years ago and is owned by rapper Kanye West.

A second store owned by West will remain open at 95th Street and Western Avenue in Chicago’s Beverly community.

Catch Bears on really big screenHoliday Star Theater at 340 Main St. in Park Forest is showing Sunday’s Bears-Packers game on its screen for free at 2 p.m.

NuMark Credit Union opens in TinleyJoliet-based NuMark Credit Union has opened its newest branch at 80th Avenue and 159th Street in Tinley Park.

Branch manager is Alex Nowak. The office and drive-through are open Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call 708-429-8590 or visit their Web site at http://www.numarkcu.org/.

Al-Nour Supermarket opens in Orland HillsAnother grocery store that specializes in Middle Eastern foods has opened at 16213 S. 94th Avenue in Orland Hills. Al-Nour Supermarket is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The phone number is 708-873-1966.

Diana’s Kitchen opens in Tinley Park

Diana Petrauskis stands in her new restaurant Diana's Kitchen in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Diana Petrauskis knows the history of restaurants at 16707 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. A long line of them have tried and failed to make it since popular hot dog stand Just Joe’s was forced out after the site was torn down and rebuilt more than a decade ago.

“I’m not going to let the past disturb me,” the Tinley Park resident said last week. “I think if you have a good product people will come back. This is a great location. I don’t know what happened to those other restaurants.

“We’ve been open only since (Jan. 10) and already we have repeat customers,” she said pointing out two customers who were already so familiar she was calling them by name.

Petrauskis said last week was a soft opening to work out the kinks, which included the untimely need to replace her cook only four days into being open.

“Thank God it happened now and not after we had been open for a while and I really needed him,” she said.
Diana’s Kitchen is her first business venture but she’s no stranger to cooking.

“I’m used to cooking for large crowds,” she said while whizzing around the kitchen knocking out orders for hot dogs, Italian sausage and meatball combos. “Of course, my husband won’t be getting a home-cooked meal anytime soon.”

As for her menu, it’s basic fare including burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, soups, chili and appetizers.
“My chili and marinara sauce are homemade,” she said. “And my soups are made from scratch. I might add some items as we go along. I’m willing to try anything.”

Starting a business is hard work and she’s ready.

“I’m full time invested in this,” she said adding family members will play a pivotal role in the business. One she is counting on is her mother.

“Thank God for ma,” she said indicating her mom, who was taking orders and restocking napkins in the small dining room with seating for about 20.

“Response has been good,” she said. “We’re averaging 40-50 people a day and we haven’t even advertised that we’re open yet.

“The people of Tinley Park have been great. I’m almost shocked customers have been so nice. I hope they come back. I’m trying to make this a place where people can come, chitchat and enjoy good food.”

Diana’s Kitchen winter hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The phone number is 708-532-9034.

Nielsen's Bakery closes in Homewood



Photo courtesy of Homewood-Flossmoor Patch



By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Nielsen’s Bakery closed last week at 2053 Ridge Road in Homewood, a victim of the economy and a broken oven. A sign on the door says the Ehlebracht family, who have owned and operated the bakery for the past 21 years, will try to find new owners that may reopen the bakery.

Palos Liquors now open
Palos Liquors opened recently at 12902 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park in the former Urbas European Bakery and Deli. Ashok Patel is the owner. The store is open from 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The phone number is 708-671-1736.

Mexican drive-through opens
Taqueria El Ranchito Express opened recently at 10348 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Hills as a drive-through only restaurant. The restaurant is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The phone number is 708-599-0400.

5 Guys opens in Chicago Ridge

The 5 Guys Burgers and Fries gourmet hamburger joint opened last month at 9620 S. Ridgeland Ave. inside the Chicago Ridge Mall. Its phone number is 708-346-0380. Check out their menu at http://www.fiveguys.com/.

Firestone grand opening in Homer Glen

The Firestone Complete Auto Care center at 14018 S. Bell Road in Homer Glen will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Friday. There will be giveaways for adults and entertainment for children all day Friday and Saturday.

Ditka to appear at Charley Horse

Former Bears head coach Mike Ditka will be signing bottles of his signature wine Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the New Lenox Charley Horse restaurant at 901 Lincoln Highway to benefit the Lincoln-Way Foundation. Bottles will be sold for a $30 or $50 donation. Anyone who makes a donation will get a $10 gift certificate good at any of the Charley Horse locations or 94West.