Frangella Italian Market Closes in Orland

Frangella Italian Market in Orland Park closed recently.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Frangella Italian Imports, 11925 S. 80th Avenue in Palos Park, recently closed its second store at 178th Street and Wolf Road in Orland Park, but will continue to serve its Italian deli sandwiches, pasta and ethnic specialties at the Palos location.

The phone number at the Orland store, which was called Frangella Italian Market, has been changed to the same number as the Palos location (708-448-2598). The Orland location opened in July 2010.

Orland Creamery to Reopen Friday

The Creamery Ice Cream shop at 9320 W. 171st St. in Orland Hills will reopen on Friday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For information, call 708-873-1297 or visit its website at http://www.mycreamery.com/.

Locations in Frankfort and Mokena reopened last week, while locations in New Lenox, Homer Glen and Manhattan stayed open all winter this year.

The location in Manteno will be opening Friday, March 23.

Gas N Wash Grand Opening

Gas N Wash, 8810 W. 191st St. in Mokena, will hold its ribbon cutting and grand opening at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14. Everyone is welcome. The gas station, car wash, convenience store and Dunkin Donuts have been open for a couple of weeks already.

Free Pizza at Speedway on Friday

Speedway stations in the Southland that sell pizza will be giving away free slices of pizza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, March 16. Not all stations carry pizza so you might want to check your favorite location to make sure it will be participating.

Plass to Hold Lost Its Lease Sale Starting Saturday

Plass Appliance will start a store liquidation sale Saturday in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy


Plass Appliance and Furniture will begin a lost-our-lease moving sale at 9 a.m. Saturday at its Tinley Park store at 9501 W. 171st St.

A store spokesman said everyone is welcome and customers do not need special invitations that were mailed out last weekend.

The spokesman said everything in the store has been marked down and inventory includes washers, dryers, refrigerators, microwaves and dishwashers.

The Tinley store opened 10 years ago.

Plass began a liquidation sale last month at its Arlington Heights location.

The spokesman said the company’s remaining five locations would remain open as usual after the Tinley store closes.

For information, call 708-349-2062 or visit its website at http://www.plassappliance.com/.

Sugarless Bakery Closes in Mokena

Sugarless World Bakery closed suddenly and without warning on Feb. 15 at 19458 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena. Messages on the company’s Facebook page, website and phone number say the store is closed indefinitely.

The store, which catered to diabetics and others who were trying to cut their sugar intake, was opened in August by father and daughter Richard and Marie Martinez.

Oak Forest Fleadh is Saturday

The third annual Oak Forest Fleadh is Saturday and includes a parade, run, bike ride, pub crawl and other festivities.

Bars and restaurants will be serving up drink and food specials all day and you can get free Italian beef sandwiches at Cindy’s Pub, 5230 W. 159th St., starting at 10 a.m.

For a complete list of events and participating businesses, visit

http://www.oak-forest.org/community/OakForestFleadh.asp.

Tinley Goes Green on Sunday

While Oak Forest will color itself green on Saturday, downtown Tinley Park will wait until Sunday to do the honors with a parade down Oak Park Avenue at 2 p.m.

Businesses up and down Oak Park are planning events to coincide with the parade or get a jump on the celebration. Durbin’s is having entertainment and food and drink specials. Ed and Joe’s is serving up Irish specialties and entertainment.

For a rundown, check out the Tinley Park Patch.

Hawg’s and Dogs Open Again

Hawg’s and Dogs reopened this week at 7940 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort after being closed for February for winter break. The eatery is featuring a buy one hot dog, get one free special daily from 2-4 p.m. For information, call 815-469-6946 or visit their website at http://www.hawgs-n-dogs.com/.

Sauk Trail Food & Liquors Has New Owner

Shobhar Chavda is the new owner of Sauk Trail Food & Liquors at 166 W. Sauk Trail in the La Petite Plaza in South Chicago Heights. The store sells general household products, beverages, beer and wine. A grand opening will be scheduled for a later date.

Dickey’s Grand Opening on Friday

Dickey's Barbecue in Orland Park is holding grand opening ceremonies on Friday.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 15110 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park, will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 9.

WCCQ DJ Roy Gregory will be broadcasting from there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Texas-style smokehouse, which opened in January, will feature $1 sandwiches and a chance to win free barbecue for a year (winner must be present).

Orland Plan Commission OKs Tilted Kilt

Plans to open a Tilted Kilt restaurant and sports bar in the former Fat Ricky’s at 16255 S. LaGrange Road won approval last week from the Orland Park Plan Commission.

The proposal also would add more than 1,500 square feet to the building, which was vacated recently when Fat Ricky’s moved into smaller quarters in Tinley Park.

The plan now goes to a Village Board committee for review.

If approved, the restaurant and sports bar – sort of a Gaelic cousin of Hooters with bosomy waitresses wearing plaid miniskirts and open midriffs – would likely open this summer.

A Tilted Kilt opened a few years ago near Chicago Ridge Mall. There were rumors about the same time that a Tilted Kilt was planned for the Boulevard Plaza at 191st Street and LaGrange Road in Mokena – fueled in part because a Tilted Kilt van was parked there for several weeks – but nothing ever materialized.

Fiscal Expert to Discuss State Finances

Ralph Martire, a nationally acclaimed finance and fiscal policy scholar, will discuss Illinois’ dire financial picture at the March 12 Southland Chamber Regional Consensus Luncheon at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive.

The luncheon runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to the public. Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. For information and reservations, call the chamber at 708-957-6950 or visit http://www.chicagosouthland.com/.

Yankee Candle Now Open in Tinley

Yankee Candle opened last month in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A Yankee Candle store opened last month next to the GNC store at 7380 W. 191st St. in the Brookside Marketplace in Tinley Park.

The store carries the usual assortment of candles and fragrances made by Yankee Candle.

For information and hours, call 815-464-0923 or visit http://www.yankeecandle.com/.

Sarku Japan at Ford City

Sarku Japan, a restaurant that features Japanese cuisine including teriyaki and tempura, opened recently in the Ford City Shopping Mall food court at 71st Street and Cicero Avenue on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

J.D. & Sons Opens in South Chicago Heights

A new discount retailer called J.D. & Sons Sales opened recently at 168 W. Sauk Trail in South Chicago Heights. For hours and more information, call 708-755-7555.

Country Charm Parking Woes

I drove by Country Charm restaurant at 101 Lincolnway Drive in New Lenox the other day and saw huge sewer pipes filling the parking lot in front of the business (part of the U.S. 30 project) and thought it might be the kiss of death. Lots of local businesses have suffered similar fates in the name of progress.

Then I received an email from Country Charm that said it is business as usual at the breakfast and lunch eatery thanks to a huge parking lot in the rear of the building with access from Andersen Road to the west and Lincolnway Drive to the east.

For information, call 815-485-3996 or visit them online at http://www.thecharmonline/.

Business Unwrapped in Orland Park

Jim Harmening, a former business columnist during my days at the Daily Southtown, will discuss technology for small businesses at a Business Unwrapped brown bag lunch seminar from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orland Park Library, 14920 S. Ravinia Ave. Jim owns a computer consulting company called Computer Bits Inc. and really knows his stuff.

New Lenox Goodwill Store and Donation Center to Open on Friday

A Goodwill Store and Donation Center will open on Friday in New Lenox.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The New Lenox Goodwill Store and Donation Center will open at 8 a.m. Friday, March 9, at 441 E. Lincoln Highway, next to the Walmart.

The 19,034-square-foot store will celebrate its grand opening weekend with giveaways and special events including a DJ from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday with hourly contests and prizes, free reusable shopping bags with any purchase (while supplies last), and free Starbucks coffee on Saturday. The first customer of the day and donor of the day on Saturday and Sunday will win a special prize.

There will be a raffle to win a gift basket with autographed photos of Chicago Bulls players Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler, along with a $10 Goodwill gift card.

“There will be fresh inventory arriving hourly,” said Cheryl Lightholder, manager, communications of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin Inc., which oversees the Chicago area. “We will have one-of-a-kind items and new product from national retailers.”

The store and donation center will be open seven days a week. Store hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The donation center opens an hour earlier each day.

Scott Kraatz is the store manager. The store will have 41 employees with more than half being New Lenox residents and the remainder coming from Manhattan, Homer Glen, Joliet, Mokena, Rockdale and Alsip, said Lightholder.

For information, call 815-463-8832 or visit http://www.amazinggoodwill.com/.

Danny’s Corner Evicted

Cook County Sheriff’s Police on Wednesday placed an eviction notice on Danny’s Corner, 9400 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park.

But it looks like things may be back to normal soon. Apparently, the business was sold to a new owner who plans to reopen – possibly as soon as this week – with the same hours, staff and menu.

Merlin’s Muffler Opens in Lockport

The new Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop opened last week at 983 E. 9th St. in Lockport. For information and hours, call 815-838-1100 or visit http://www.merlins.com/lockport.

El Potro Opens in Frankfort

A Mexican restaurant called El Potro opened recently at 7818 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, in the rear kitchen at All Star Sports Bar. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. For information, call 815-464-5664.

Free Pretzel Day at Auntie Anne's

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Mark your calendars for tomorrow if you love pretzels because it's Free Pretzel Day at Auntie Anne's pretzel shops in malls across the Southland.

Pretzel lovers can get a free original pretzel or a cinnamon sugar pretzel from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at Auntie Anne's shops at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park, Ford City Mall on Chicago's Southwest Side, River Oaks Center in Calumet City, Westfield Louis Joliet Mall in Joliet and Westfield Southlake Mall in Merrillville (or is it Hobart) in northwest Indiana.

5 Guys Burgers Opens in Matteson

Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened this week in Matteson.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Virginia-based Five Guys Burgers and Fries opened its fourth Southland location this week in a strip center at U.S. 30 and Cicero Avenue in Matteson.

The gourmet burger joint opened on Monday and is the 29th Illinois restaurant for the chain that started 25 years ago in Arlington, Virginia.

The restaurant serves burgers with up to 15 different toppings, hot dogs, three veggie sandwiches and fries.

The Matteson location, like most others, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is no drive-through.
For information, call 708-283-4515 or visit http://www.fiveguys.com/.

There are two Five Guys locations in Orland Park and another in Chicago Ridge.

Papa John’s Opens in Palos

Indiana-based Papa John’s pizza opened its eighth Southland location recently at 7154 W. 127th St. in Palos Heights.

The pizzeria is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. for delivery and carry out orders and accepts online orders.

For information, call 708-361-5050 or visit. http://www.papajohns.com/.

Frankfort Business Expo This Saturday

The 28th annual Frankfort Business Expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at the Lincoln-Way East High School fieldhouse in Frankfort. The public is welcome and admission is free.

More than 100 local businesses are expected to be on hand along with former Bears lineman Steve McMichael who will be signing autographs from 10 a.m. to noon.

For information, visit http://www.frankfortchamber.com/.

Garrett to Address Rotary

Jim Garrett, CEO of the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be the guest speaker for the Lansing Rotary Club meeting at 12:15 p.m. Friday at Popolano’s Restaurant. Lunch costs $10. For reservations, call Dick Turek at 708-895-0300.

Home & Garden Show in Tinley

Tinley Park is hosting the Springtime Home & Garden Show this weekend at the Convention Center, which will feature more than 250 exhibitors and offer seminars on backyard vegetable gardens, spring bulbs and perennials and backyard living spaces.

Show hours are 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older and free for 18 and younger.

Ted’s Greenhouse in Tinley Park will have plants and perennials for sale.

For information, call 800-883-7469 or visit http://www.homeshowpros.com/ for discounted admission.

Ross Dress for Less to Open in Calumet City, Bolingbrook

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Ross Dress for Less, a discount apparel and home fashion chain, will open two new stores this weekend in Bolingbrook and Calumet City.

California-based Ross entered the Chicago market last fall when it opened a dozen stores including locations in Matteson and Orland Park.

Ross stores typically carry brand name products priced 20 percent to 60 percent less than at department and specialty stores.

The stores are located at Bolingbrook’s Maple Park Place and Calumet City’s Calumet Center, 480 River Oaks West.

The stores open at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 3. From Saturday through Sunday, March 11, each store is offering shoppers a chance to win a $500 shopping spree or one of five $100 shopping sprees.

“We started in California and are working are way east,” said Mary Walter, senior vice president of stores, during last year’s opening in Orland Park. “Customers in Chicago will respond to our great products at great prices."

Walter said Ross has more than 1,000 stores in 27 states. Each store employs about 50 associates.

Store hours will be Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

As part of the grand opening ceremonies, Ross will make a donation of $1,000 each to the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs and the George Werden Buck Boys & Girls Club.

For information, call the Bolingbrook store at 630-378-2022, the Calumet City store at 708-832-2593 or visit http://www.rossstores.com/.

Chicago Ridge Mall Welcomes 2 Back
Gloria Jean’s Coffee recently reopened at Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall in the Aldi Court and The Children’s Place reopened earlier this month after being closed for a couple of weeks for remodeling.

Clock Tower Gifts Closes
Clock Tower Gifts closed last month at 18700 S. Wolf Road in Mokena almost five years to the day it opened in 2007 in the retail center.

Eatery Closes at River Oaks
Smokey’s Rib Shack closed recently at River Oaks Mall in Calumet City.

Plush Horse Coming to Tinley Park

Plush Horse is coming to Tinley Park next month.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Palos Park’s Plush Horse Ice Cream & Coffee Shop, considered by many to have the best ice cream in the southwest suburbs, is opening a second location at 7903 W. 171st St. in the Tinley Downs plaza in Tinley Park.

Steve Rydberg, son of owner Ann Rydberg, said he is hoping the new location will be ready by mid-March.

“Mom wanted to give it a try,” he said of the second location, which will feature the same sweet treats as the Palos Park location. “We will have cupcakes and candy, as well.”

Rydberg now works downtown at a bank but grew up working at the Palos Park location.

“I helped make the ice cream,” he said. His favorite flavor? “I really like chocolate peanut butter.”

Rydberg said the new location will continue to be a family affair with relatives and his wife Mary Ellen Rydberg helping staff the new location.

For information, call 708-444-1800.

New York & Co. Remodeling

New York & Co. at Orland Square Mall will be closed for the next couple of months as the store undergoes remodeling. The mall expects the store to reopen in about 60 days. A number of stores are sprucing up at the same time the mall is undergoing an overdue face-lift.

Francesca’s to Host Chamber Event

Francesca’s Vicinato, 12960 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park, is hosting a Business After Hours from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, for members of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce. RSVP to 708-349-2972 or http://www.orlandparkchamber.org/.

Sign Up for Brew and Vine Festival

The third annual Tinley Park Brew and Vine Festival will run from 2-11 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.

The event will showcase popular brewers and wineries with an extensive list of diverse wines and craft beers. The Tinley Park Brew and Vine Festival offers tastings for both fine wines and craft beers, as well as gourmet foods.

Admission to the festival includes wine, beer and food tastings, a commemorative wine or beer glass, and access to the event.

For information, visit http://www.tinleyparkbrewandvinefest.com/.

Oak Lawn Kmart to Close

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

The Kmart at 11000 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn has been added to the list of stores being closed by Sears Holdings Corp. No closing date was announced. Kmart also operates a store at 4101 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn.

It is the first store in the Southland to be designated for closing since Sears Holdings announced last year that it would close between 100 and 120 underperforming stores.

Sears Holdings, which posted a $2.4 billion fourth quarter loss on Thursday, also said it would sell off its Outlet store division – including a store that recently opened in Tinley Park and a store in Bridgeview – and certain hardware stores. There are standalone Sears Hardware stores in Orland Park and Alsip.

Corn Product Wants New Name

Corn Products International, which operates a factory in Bedford Park with a distinctive smell of burning corn, will ask its shareholders in May to change the company’s name to Ingredion. Smellion might be a better name considering the odors that come out of that plant.

Southgate Pharmacy Closes in Homewood

Southgate Pharmacy filled its last prescription on Valentine’s Day as the longtime store in Homewood shut down. The store was one of three opened in 1956 by the Skoniecke family. It was the last one to close.

Tinley Park Tobacco Closes

Tinley Park Tobacco at 7921 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park closed recently.

Free Pancakes at IHOP

Celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP next Tuesday with a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. The chain asks that you consider leaving a donation for charity. In the Southland, IHOP restaurants can be found in Orland Park, Matteson, Crestwood, Lansing, Ford City Mall, Bridgeview, Bolingbrook and Bourbonnais. For information, visit http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/.

Gas n Wash Opens in Mokena

Gas n Wash opened last week in Mokena.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A new gas station opened last week at 8810 W. 191st St. in Mokena.

Gas n Wash features six fuel stations, a convenience store, car wash and, starting next week, a Dunkin Donuts with a drive-through lane.

The station was built by Len McEnery on property once owned by Gas City. McEnery was an executive for Gas City, which was owned by his brother William.

 Mokena Business Expo and Health Fair

The Mokena Chamber of Commerce has moved its Business Expo and Health Fair into bigger digs this year at The Oaks Recreation and Fitness Center, 10847 LaPorte Road. The show is free to the public and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday.

There will be dozens of exhibitors on hand offering demonstrations, raffles, door prizes and health screenings.

XSport Fitness Express Now Open

A 24-hour fitness center opened recently at 13343 S. Cicero Ave. in Crestwood. The XSport Fitness Express center is open daily and features all kinds of fitness equipment including treadmills, climbers and bikes. For information and pricing, call 708-824-0800 or visit http://www.xsportfitness.com/.

Rail Grill Reopens in Blue Island

The New Rail Grill opened recently at 2239 Vermont in Blue Island. The restaurant is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call 708-597-4343.

Fox Head Apparel Coming to Orland

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Fox Head Inc., which made its name with a worldwide brand of motocross apparel and has since branched out into other performance sports, is going to open its only Chicago-area store at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park this spring.

The mall said the store will be moving into part of the space being vacated by Bath & Body Works, which is downsizing and moving across the way.

The company was started as Fox Racing in 1974 in Campbell, Calif.

Calls to the company for more information were not returned.

Jamaica Jerk Choice Coming to Tinley Park

Jamaica Jerk Choice restaurant, which offers Caribbean cuisine, is coming soon to 15910 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

For information, check out the menu at its Calumet City location at http://www.jamaicajerkchoice.com/.

Calls and emails to the owner were not returned, but an employee at the Calumet City location said the 1,200 square foot Tinley location should be open by March.

Cartridge World Has New Digs

Cartridge World, which refills printer cartridges and the like, moved recently from its original home at 15942 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park to new digs at 7751 W. 159th St. Tinley Plaza in the Castle Plaza.

Charlotte Russe Closes in Orland

The Charlotte Russe store in Orland Square Mall closed recently. Fans of its clothing and shoe lines can still find them at stores in Ford City Shopping Center, Chicago Ridge Mall, the Promenade in Bolingbrook and Louis Joliet Mall.

McLaughlin to Deliver State of Orland Park to Chamber

Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin will give his state of the village address to the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, at Silver Lake Country Club, 14700 S. 82nd Avenue.

Cost is $14 for chamber members in advance, $17 for members and non-members at the door.

RSVP by Feb. 24 to 708-349-2972 or http://www.orlandparkchamber.org/.

Public Meeting on Illiana Expressway

The Illinois and Indiana Departments of Transportation will present the preferred routes for the proposed Illiana Expressway from Interstate 65 near Lowell in northwest Indiana to Interstate 55 near Wilmington.

There will be a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23, at Matteson Hotel and Conference Center (Holiday Inn) at 500 Holiday Plaza Drive in Matteson from 5-8 p.m.

There will be a continuous PowerPoint presentation, and attendees will have the opportunity to view study exhibits, provide comments and speak with IDOT, INDOT and study team representatives on a one-on-one basis. A question and answer forum will be held at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Mokena White Castle Gone But to Return

Work has started on rebuilding the White Castle at 191st and LaGrange in Mokena.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Don’t fear Mokena White Castle fans, the iconic fast-food restaurant will soon return bigger and better than before to its spot at 191st Street and LaGrange Road.

In case you missed it, the restaurant disappeared the other day. It was just gone. There was a vacant muddy lot and a couple of signs telling Slider fans where they could go to get their closest fix – on U.S. 30 in New Lenox and at 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park.

“The new building should be ready by May 5, depending on weather,” said Bill Thompson, regional director of restaurant operations for White Castle. “Since it’s been such a mild winter, we should be able to easily make that date.”

Thompson said the new Mokena restaurant will be similar to the one in New Lenox when finished.
“It’s the same design,” he said. “It will have a little bigger front room.”

The new building also will sport a drive-through lane with two windows, Wi-Fi, and televisions, Thompson said.

The Mokena restaurant has been there since 1997 when it was acquired and converted from a Hardee’s.

White Castle is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. The Ohio-based chain has been operating in Chicago since 1929.

Wynder's, Home of the Spiral-Cut Hot Dog, Closes in New Lenox

Terry Johnson shows off one of his spiral-cut hot dogs in New Lenox in June 2010.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Sad to say, I saw this one coming.

Wynder’s restaurant in New Lenox, which opened in June 2010 with the unique product of a spiral-cut hot dog, shut its doors for the last time last week.

I called the shop last week after I saw a notice on the door that they had cut their hours to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owner Terry Johnson wasn’t in, but the woman on duty said the store was staying open but cutting back its hours. That’s never a good sign.

Then it was closed.

I remember when Wynder’s opened. Johnson was absolutely passionate about his spiral-cutting technique.

He said the process brought out hidden flavor in something as mundane as a hot dog. He said he got the idea from his mom, who used to make him fried bologna sandwiches.

Johnson has been trying since day one to expand his brand. He had a couple of nibbles from groups in Florida and Texas, but nothing got off the ground.

He originally wanted to open shops in Joliet and Tinley Park, but they never materialized.

He was selling spiral-cutting gadgets from his website, which was still up this week. So, maybe that is still going.

Wynder’s is not the first hot dog shop to fail in that location despite its seemingly great location across the street from Lincoln-Way Central High School. Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon had a brief run there prior to Johnson taking his shot.

Johnson told the New Lenox Patch this week that road construction on U.S. 30 was partly to blame, and he’s right. Construction along the road has made life miserable for lots of business owners there.

The lousy economy since he opened and what I’m sure are not cheap rents in that plaza also didn’t help, I’m sure.

Johnson is a nice guy who had a clever idea to make a hot dog more than just a hot dog. (I’ve been slicing hot dogs and sausages when I grill ever since I met him.) It’s too bad he didn’t succeed.

Rasmussen College Job Fair is Thursday

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Rasmussen College, in conjunction with the Mokena Chamber of Commerce, presents the Winter Career Expo from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, at Rasmussen College, 8650 W. Spring Lake Road, Mokena.

This networking opportunity is open to all students, alumni, community members, and employers at no charge.

For information, contact the front desk at 815-534-3300.

Employers on hand will include:
 
• IDES
• IDES for Veterans
• Chicago Fire
• Your Total Business
• Primerica
• Combined Insurance
• H&R Block
• Lighthouse Printing
• Kelly Services
• Mokena Chamber of Commerce
• Chiro One Wellness Centers
• New York Life
• NextMedia 360
• Ingalls Hospital
• American Family Insurance
• Aramark
• U.S. Army
• Charter Fitness
• Lincoln Mall security
• Pace
• Costco

Tinley Park Golf Expo Starts Friday

By Bob Bong 

Southland Savvy

The inaugural Tinley Park Golf Expo is this weekend at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

The show runs Feb. 17-19 and will feature golf instruction and activities, information on golf courses and destinations, golf equipment and apparel.

Admission is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For information, visit its website at http://www.tinleyparkgolf.com/ or call 708-990-3779.

Sponsors include Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park.

Chicken Wild Opens in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

John Mihalos is back in the restaurant business after taking a decade off and his latest entry is a rotisserie-style restaurant called Chicken Wild at 15940 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

The eatery opened this week in the former Starbucks coffee shop.

Mihalos, who grew up in Oak Lawn, came up with the idea of a rotisserie-style restaurant after doing a little research and discovered rotisserie cooking is healthier and results in a different kind of taste from grilled and fried foods.

“There’s no reason fast food can’t be healthy and taste great,” he said.

Mihalos said guests can taste what he’s talking about during visits. “Ask for a sample and see for yourself,” he said.

Chicken Wild offers rotisserie chicken, pork and beef brisket with a variety of sides including rotisserie pineapple, fresh vegetables of the day, real mashed potatoes with garlic and olive oil, rice pilaf, and even steamed sweet corn (in season).

“But our specialty is the chicken breast,” Mihalos said.

Mihalos has big plans for the Chicken Wild concept and envisions many more locations once the Tinley location takes off.

“We think Chicken Wild will be a winner because of the taste,” he said.

The restaurant will emphasize catering and delivery, he said.

For information, call 708-444-2770 or visit their Facebook page. You can check out their menu at http://www.chickenwild.com/.

Rehab Suites Open in Evergreen Park

Evergreen HealthCare Center has opened new suites for patients rehabbing from surgery or other services at 10124 S. Kedzie Ave. in Evergreen Park. The suites are part of Transitional Care Management’s renovation of the center. For information, call 847-720-8700 or visit their website at http://www.tc-mgmt.com/.

Children’s Place Open Again at Chicago Ridge Mall

The newly remodeled Children’s Place reopened recently at Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge.

Egg Cetera Fish Fry Starts Today

EggCetera Café at 10120 W. 191st St. in Mokena will be open from 4-8 p.m. on Friday nights starting today for its new all-you-can-eat Friday Night Fish Fry. For information, call 708-478-0070.

Valentine’s Day Deals

Free Roses: Although a little pricey, Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall’s heart is in the right price with a new Valentine’s day promotion that runs through Valentine’s Day next week.

If you go to the Westfield Mall Office or Concierge with $200 or more in same-day mall store receipts, they will give you a coupon good for a bouquet of a dozen roses from Aldi. Limit one per person.

Fancy Dining: Chick-fil-A in Orland Park is hosting a Family Valentine’s Day from 6-8 p.m. Monday night with reserved seating, table service and activities. Call Cassie at 708-460-4663 or email community@cfaorland.com for reservations.

Heart-Shaped Pizzas: Ed and Joe’s in Tinley Park is serving up 10-inch, 12-inch and 14-inch heart-shaped pizzas between now and Valentine’s Day.

Ameera’s Pizzeria in Tinley Park also is serving up heart-shaped pies this weekend.

Dinner and a Tango: Couples can spend Valentine’s Day learning a tango routine from Al Pacino’s “A Scent of a Woman” at Heart & Sole Dance Studio and then dining on heart-shaped pizza at Vito & Nick’s II. The dancing starts at 7:30 p.m. and costs $35 per couple. Participants will receive a copy of the song they dance to and a chocolate rose as a gift. For information or to make reservations, call Heart & Sole at 708-532-6237 or visit http://www.heartsoledance.com/.

Whole Foods Market Plans Orland Store

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Orland area food shoppers will have a new alternative when Whole Foods Market opens later this year inside the former Borders book store at 15260 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

The Texas-based chain plans to open a natural and organic foods store sometime this fall. The Orland store is one of eight stores Whole Foods plans to add later this year, the company said Wednesday in its first quarter earnings report.

The Orland store at 27,000 square feet is on the small size, especially when compared to a Meijer or Jewel, but Whole Foods prides itself on featuring natural and organic foods that are free of artificial ingredients and hydrogenated fats.

The Orland store will be the chain’s first location in the Southland. Whole Foods has 17 other stores in the North and West Suburbs and 317 worldwide. Whole Foods said the store would bring 150-160 jobs.

The company started in 1980 in Austin and had sales of $10 billion in fiscal 2011.

White Fence Farm Now Open

White Fence Farm, which claims to have the World’s Greatest Chicken, has reopened its Romeoville, Joliet, Downers Grove and Plainfield Crossing locations for the season. The newly remodeled Riverside store won’t open until March. For information, visit them online at http://www.whitefencefarm.com/.

Puppy Store Closes in Mokena

The Puppy Love Boutique closed recently at 19155 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena. The store opened in November 2009.

CarHop Opens in Chicago Heights

CarHop, a car dealer that focuses on helping car buyers with poor or no credit get auto financing, opened its fifth Chicago-area location at 207 Halsted Street in Chicago Heights last month.

“People in the Chicago Heights area who have credit issues will now have an opportunity to get driving again,” District Manager Peter Desouza said in a news release. “And we will do everything we can to get them approved, provide customers with a chance to improve their credit and change their lives for the better.”

CarHop includes an 18-month, 18,000 mile limited warranty on all of its vehicles.

“The Chicago Heights store will help serve our customers’ needs by being in a more convenient location for people who live in that area of Chicago, and people who live near the border of Indiana and Illinois,” store manager Jim Arvia said in the release.

For information, visit http://www.carhop.com/.

Tropical Smoothie Coming to New Lenox

A Tropical Smoothie Cafe is coming to New Lenox.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A Florida-based smoothie restaurant has put up signs that it will be moving this spring into the former Quiznos at 1872 W. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox across the street from Lincoln-Way Central High School.

The Tropical Smoothie Café franchise in Lombard will be relocating to New Lenox soon, according to its Facebook page. The Lombard location’s phone number has already been disconnected, and calls to the Florida corporate offices were not returned.

The restaurant features smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads, salads and breakfast, according to its website menu. It also has a kids menu and limited-time specials.

Interestingly, it will around be literally around the corner from a Paradise Smoothie shop.

Pepe’s Closes in Hickory Hills

The Pepe’s Mexican restaurant closed recently at 8128 W. 95th St. in Hickory Hills.

Smokey Barque Open in Frankfort

Smokey Barque, a barbecue smokehouse, opened recently at 20 W. Kansas St. in the former Jenny’s (which moved to 191 South in Mokena) in downtown Frankfort. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m.

The restaurant will be holding grand opening events on Feb. 24-25. For information, call 815-277-2502 or visit http://www.smokeybarque.com/.

Vitamin Shoppe Opens in Matteson

A Vitamin Shoppe opened last month at 4803 W. Lincoln Highway in Matteson. Store hours are Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call the store at 708-283-7059 or visit its website at http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/.

Pet Hospital Opens in Mokena Petsmart

Banfield Pet Hospital opened recently inside the Petsmart at 21430 Wolf Road in Mokena.

The hospital is hosting a grand opening free Preventive Care Seminar at 6 p.m. on Friday.

For information, call 815-464-3589 or visit http://www.banfield.com/.

Discover Tinley Registration Open

The Tinley Park Community Resources Commission will host the annual Discover Tinley community awareness expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 14 at the Convention Center. Businesses and organizations that want to participate can get more info at http://www.tinleypark.org/.

Old Navy Moving to Chicago Ridge Mall

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Old Navy plans to move its Chicago Ridge store from the Commons of Chicago Ridge to a spot inside Chicago Ridge Mall.

Construction of the new store is expected to start in early April, said assistant store manager Tina Rodriguez Bauer.

The new store is expected to cost about $700,000 and will be about 20,000 square feet.

Old Navy is shooting for a mid-June opening, Bauer said.

In September, Old Navy moved a store from Lincoln Mall in Matteson to a new location at Brookside Marketplace in Tinley Park.

Mattress Store Closes in Tinley

Back to Bed mattress store closed recently at 7242 W. 191st St. in Tinley Park but appears to be planning a comeback in the village once the Blockbuster store closes later this month at 15970 S. Harlem Ave.

The mattress company, with 48 locations in the Chicago area, was soliciting bids in December for interior renovations for the Blockbuster location. Calls to the company for more information were not returned.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Eyes 3rd Location

O’Reilly Auto Parts, one of the top aftermarket auto parts chains in the U.S., opened two stores in the Southland last year at 6710 W. 111th St. in Worth and 921 E. 162nd St. in South Holland and plans on a third store in Hickory Hills sometime this summer.

“We’re still looking to do something in Hickory Hills in the second part of this year,” said Mark Merz, O’Reilly’s director of external reporting and investor relations.

The company announced plans last summer for a store in the former McDonald’s at 8715 W. 95th St.

O’Reilly has been on a tear the past year, opening 170 new stores nationwide in 2011 with another 170 expected to open nationwide this year.

Store hours vary by location, said Merz. But generally the store is open seven days a week from about 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from about 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

“O’Reilly Auto Parts caters to the do-it-yourself customer,” said Merz. “But we do half of our business with professional car repair businesses.”

For information, visit the store online at http://www.oreillyauto.com/.

South Suburban Hospital Opens Inpatient Pediatric Unit

Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest opened its new inpatient pediatric unit this week, which will work with Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn to provide services to Southland children and their families. The new unit has 12 beds, accommodations for family, a playroom and a full-time child life specialist.

DeVry Open House on Saturday

There will be an open house on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at DeVry University’s Tinley Park Campus, 18624 West Creek Dr. For information or to register, call 708-342-3200 or visit www.tp.devry.edu/community.html.

Business After Hours Mardi Gras for Together We Cope

Members of the Orland Park Area, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn and Oak Forest-Crestwood chambers of commerce are invited to a Mardi Gras sponsored by BMO Harris Bank and Together We Cope from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Together We Cope, 17010 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.

There will be tours of the Together We Cope facility, door prizes and great food!

RSVP to the Orland Chamber by today at 708-349-2972 or http://www.orlandparkchamber.org/.

New Businesses in South Holland

The following new businesses opened recently in South Holland:

• Accessory City, 629 E. 162nd St.
• Johnsons Cleaning Co., 16417 Evans Ave.
• Johnson Omnimedia, 16417 Evans Ave.
• Molis Dental 2, 16240 Louis Ave.
• Scott Munro Photography, 17050 South Park Ave., Suite D
• SOS Full Maids and Cleaning Service, 16901 Van Dam Road, Suite 603
• Chela Dance Fitness, 705 E. 162nd St.
• Klear Kut Graphics, 16320 Woodlawn East
• Primerica Financial, 15475 South Park Ave., Suite 105

Deal of the Weekend: Free Onion Rings

Burger King restaurants are giving away free value-sized orders of its new style onion rings starting with lunch on Saturday and Sunday. The deal is good while supplies last and there is no purchase necessary. In addition to the onion ring giveaway, if you "like" Burger King on Facebook, you will be entered to win a $10 BK Crown Card.

Super Bowl Special Deals

By Bob Bong
 Southland Savvy

Super Bowl Sunday is said to be the biggest party day of the year.

In case you’re the one throwing the party, here are some deals on pizzas.

We also have a list of some local watering holes and their Super Bowl Specials.

Salina’s in Tinley Park has the "OchoCinco," which is $8.50 off a "Giants" (18-inch) pizza. Limit 10. Mention coupon code: SB2012. For information, call 708-614-9100 or visit their website at cateringbysalinas.com/.

Ed & Joe’s in Tinley Park is hosting a Super Bowl Party from 4-10 p.m. for $30 per person, which includes a raffle to win a pizza a week for 52 weeks. Call Ellen for reservations at 708-532-3051.

Ed & Joe’s also is raffling off a pizza a week to all take-out and delivery customers on Sunday. In addition to being automatically entered, customers can take $5 off any 14-inch or 16-inch pizza from 3-9 p.m. Dough Dollar Points also will be doubled.

Durbin’s is offering a $35 Super Bowl package at all of its locations, which includes pizza, nachos, dinner and four drinks. Reservations required. See manager at each location.

Bookie Magee’s Hideaway and OTB, 2450 W. Jefferson in Joliet, is hosting a Super Bowl party starting at 5 p.m. Cost is $40 per person for half-time buffet, free pop and draft beer, $2 bottles of beer and house drinks. Early birds can get free racing program and $10 in bets with their reservation. Call 815-744-6500 for reservations.

Here are some Super Bowl Specials in the Lincoln-Way area thanks to the folks at Patch. See here for the complete list.

Chicago Blu in Frankfort will have a free half-time buffet, 46-cent drafts and 46-cent wings (get it, Super Bowl XLVI).

Jameson's Pub in Frankfort starts the party at 5 p.m. For $35, customers can enjoy an open bar and a half-time party buffet.

Pete Mitchell's Bar & Grill in Frankfort will have a free half-time buffet and drink specials.

Tommy Nevin's Pub in Frankfort will have a free half-time buffet, drink specials, raffles and giveaways.

The Wild Rover in Frankfort will have a free half-time taco bar and drink specials.

191 South in Mokena has two party packages: A $60 package that includes top-shelf liquor and food and a $35 package with domestic drinks and a family-style dinner. Call 708-479-6873 for reservations.

Stoney Point Grill in Mokena is holding its second annual Steak Fry, where you pick out your ribeye and chefs cook it on a grill outside to order. It’s $25 for a 10-ounce ribeye and $30 for a 16-ounce ribeye — both come with an all-you can eat buffet of sides. A free all-you can eat taco and nacho bar will be open during halftime. Drink specials. Sports memorabilia will be raffled off throughout the night.

Charleston's Bar & Grill will host a party. $25 gets you unlimited domestic drafts and a buffet that includes a nachos bar, pizza and buffalo hot wings. Reservations are recommended.

Charleyhorse in Tinley Park, New Lenox and Munster, Ind., will have a free half-time buffet with wings, tenders, pasta, appetizers and drink specials.

Prime Time Restaurant & Bar in New Lenox will have a free half-time buffet, including pizza, pasta and salad; $10 prime rib special; $10 slab of ribs; 50-cent wings; and drink specials.

Tom Kelly's Chophouse & Pub in New Lenox will have a free half-time buffet with pizza, fried chicken, pasta, meatballs and drink specials.

Gold Shops Open in Tinley, Orland

K.E. Jewelry opened recently in Orland Park.

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

The high price of gold (hovering around $1,700 an ounce) has brought one of those shops that buy gold to Tinley Park.

We Buy and Sell Gold, which the village classifies as a jewelry store, opened recently at 7112 W. 171st St. in the former home of the village’s first and only pawn shop, which closed late in 2010 after its owner violated the terms of his arrangement with the village and purchased four antique guns.

Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

A gold buying store called K.E. Jewelry opened recently at 15810 S. Harlem Ave. in the Home Depot Plaza in Orland Park. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

It joins three other gold buying stores that have rebranded themselves Gold Max after doing business for a long time as Midwest Gold Buyers.

Those stores are in Orland Square Mall, 14700 S. LaGrange Road and 7928 W. 159th St.

Plaza Café Closes in Frankfort

One of our favorite places closed this week when the state revoked the business registration of the Plaza Café in Frankfort over issues with back taxes. If a deal can be reached between the owner and the state Department of Revenue, the restaurant could reopen, but chances are those Heidi cakes are gone forever.

New Lenox Library Café Closes

The New Lenox Library can’t seem to catch a break in regards to its in-house café. The latest blow came last week when Book and Bean Too closed because of health issues for its owner. The café had just reopened in September after being closed for several months. Library officials are trying to determine whether the café can reopen or do they need to seek a new vendor – again.

Old World Pizza Coming to Tinley

Original Old World Pizza, also known as Fat Ricky’s, is taking over the space at 16703 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park that was home for a short time last year to Capri Express.

Fat Ricky’s opened a location in Orland Park in 2010. The chain began in Elmwood Park in 1963 and has other locations in Shorewood and Romeoville.

The eateries are known for their pizza, burgers, pasta, sandwiches and calzones. You can check out their menu at http://www.fatrickys.com/ and get more information at their Facebook page.

Calls for more information were not returned, so I don’t have an exact opening date but it should be soon.

Green Garden Golf Dome Delayed Again By, What Else, More Snow

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Green Garden Golf Course in Frankfort lost its golf dome in last February’s blizzard when the storm ripped a hole in the fabric covering and it deflated.

Plans to erect a new and improved dome have been hampered this month by bitter cold and two Friday snowstorms.

Golf course general manager Todd Russell said he expects the dome to be open for business by next Tuesday, if not sooner.

“Realistically, I expect it will be open a week from today,” he said on Tuesday. “We’ll try for sooner but no later than next week.”

Russell said he would keep posting golf dome updates on the golf course website http://www.greengardencc.com/.

The new dome will be heated and have a two-level hitting area. The dome will have 42 hitting stations, a putting green, chipping area, a sitting area with TVs, snacks and beverages.

Once it does reopen, the dome will be open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Standard rates for ages 19-61 will be Monday to Friday $12 per half-hour, Saturdays and Sundays $15 per half-hour.

Senior rates for ages 62 and older will be $11 per half-hour for anytime weekdays and after noon on weekends.

Junior rates for ages 18 and younger will be $10 per half-hour for anytime weekdays and after noon on weekends.

There also will be a season pass good anytime and valid from November to March for $750.

New Grocery Store Eyes Frankfort
Mariano’s Fresh Market, a division of Roundy’s Supermarkets in Milwaukee, has been slowly moving into the Chicago marketplace and will present plans Thursday night to the Frankfort Plan Commission for a 70,000-square-foot store at 20900 S. LaGrange Road (between McDonald’s and Old Plank Trail Bank.

Let’s see, between U.S. 30 and 191st Street there are already five supermarkets including Jewel, Dominick’s, Walt’s, Brookhaven and Aldi.

If this store is approved (and who doesn’t believe it will be), the stores could start their own softball or bowling leagues.

Brighton Collectibles Opens in Orland Square
Brighton Collectibles, a specialty store that carries items from jewelry to handbags and accessories, opened Friday in the lower level Macy’s Court at Orland Square Mall in Orland Park.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information, call 708-873-1658 or visit them online at http://www.brighton.com/.

Free Dessert for January Birthdays at Chick-fil-A
Orland Park’s Chick-fil-A restaurant has a free dessert from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, for anyone born in January.

4 Southland Blockbuster Stores Closing

Blockbusters stores in Tinley Park, Frankfort, Hickory Hills and Lansing are closing.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Blockbuster stores in Tinley Park, Hickory Hills, Lansing and Frankfort are closing as part of a new round of closings for the video chain since the retailer was acquired last summer by Dish Network Corp.

Area stores that will remain open – at least for now – include locations in Evergreen Park, Merrionette Park, Homer Glen and Lockport.

Dish, which acquired thousands of Blockbuster locations in July for $320 million, plans to add some kind of Dish customer service desk in the stores it keeps open.

Blockbuster rental kiosks are expected to be unaffected by the closings.

All four stores have begun going out of business sales. The Tinley, Hickory Hills and Lansing locations will close by Feb. 19 unless they run out of inventory before that. The Frankfort store is scheduled to close by March 18.

There are signs up saying the stores are moving, but that is a marketing ploy as the signs say the stores are moving online. A clerk at the Tinley store said it best, “We’re closing.”

Dickey’s Barbecue to Open Wednesday
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a Texas-style smokehouse, will open at 11 a.m. Wednesday at 15110 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

The first 100 customers on Wednesday will each receive a free pulled pork sandwich. or check out their Facebook page.

Pizza King Deal at Ed n Joe’s
In honor of owner Pizza King Michael Clark’s birthday, Ed n Joe’s, 17332 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, will give customers 50 percent off of their first pizza on Tuesday, Jan. 17. The offer is good for lunch or dinner and is available for dine-in, take-out and delivery orders.

The restaurant also is holding a Facebook promotion from Jan. 17-29. Anyone who "likes" Dickey's will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card.

For more information, call 708-226-3090, fax 708-226-3091, visit http://www.dickeys.com/

Carm’s Beef Opens in Tinley Park

Carm's Beef opened this week in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Carm’s Beef, a new Italian restaurant with a rich history, has opened at 17801 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.

The original Carm’s was opened in 1947 by owner Mick Nebren’s grandmother at Cicero Avenue and what would become the Eisenhower Expressway. A second store followed in Berwyn and then a store was located in Hillside for more than three decades.

“I left the restaurant business for a while to be a Realtor,” said Nebren. “But I decided it was time to bring back Carm’s Beef.”

The restaurant that also features pizza, hamburgers, Italian sausage, subs, deli sandwiches and all kinds of salads opened Jan. 9, said Nebren who owns Carm’s with his wife Judy. Both hail from Plainfield.

“If you remember my grandmother’s place, that’s the kind of food we’ll have,” said Nebren who added that lots of people have been calling to ask if the new place is related to grandma’s original Carm’s.

A special of the house will be 99-cent hotdogs every Saturday. No limit.

“We have a special blend of hotdogs served Chicago-style,” said Nebren.

Hours will be Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Nebren said a website and Facebook page are in the works.

For information, call 708-444-4272.

Grand Reopening for Velocity Sports
Velocity Sports Performance of Tinley Park will hold is grand reopening Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 7700 Graphics Drive.

The athletic training facility closed last fall when its original owners went bankrupt. New owners Mike and Cindy See stepped in and reopened late last year.

Special guest on Saturday will be former NFL star Chuck Thomas of the San Francisco 49ers who will visit with guests and sign autographs.

For information, call 708.444.3278 or visit their website at http://www.velocitysp.com/tinleypark.

Brown’s Chicken Closes in Orland
Brown’s Chicken served its last wings last week when the restaurant closed at 14450 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park.

A company spokeswoman told the Orland Park Patch that the restaurant lost its lease. “Right now, there are no plans to reopen Brown’s at that location,” said Jennifer Gordon.

The building and business had been listed for sale for $929,000 for months on various real estate and commercial property websites.

Payless Shoes Closing in Markham
The Payless ShoeSource store at 2959 W. 159th St. will close on Monday, though the store has almost depleted its inventory.

The store is one of 475 underperforming locations the retailer announced in August it would be closing.

A Payless store in Chicago Heights also is closing, and a store on Harlem Avenue in Orland Park closed some time ago.

Dunkin’ Donuts to Open 500th Chicago Area Shop in Mount Greenwood

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Dunkin’ Donuts will open its 500th Chicago-area shop at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 3206 W. 111th St. in Chicago’s Mount Greenwood community.

As part of the celebration, the first 500 customers will get a Dunkin’ Donuts travel mug and a $2 gift card. The chain is also collecting food from 8 a.m. to noon for FeedChicago.org. Anyone who makes a cash or food donation will get a coupon good for a free doughnut. Dunkin’ Donuts will make a $2,000 presentation to the organization.

There also will be a raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card, Bulls and Blackhawk tickets and a Pepsi bike and helmet.

On hand for the celebration starting at 11 a.m. will be Benny the Bull, the Luvabulls, Bulls broadcasters Bill Wennington and Chuck Swirsky, B96 personalities J, Julian and Showbiz Shelly and Ald. Matthew O’Shea.

The shop is owned by Sam Savani.

Game Time, Carmen’s Close in Palos Heights
Game Time Sports Grill & Pub closed recently at 6405 W. 127th St. in Palos Heights. The 5,400-square-foot building and business has been listed for sale for months at prices ranging from $3.1 million to $399,000.

Also closing recently in Palos Heights was Carmen’s Jazz Bistro at 7210 W. College Dr. The bistro’s website and Facebook page are still active but the phone number has been disconnected and the bistro is not included on the Palos Heights list of businesses.

There is a new business in town as a Cricket Wireless cell phone store opened recently at 7202 W. 119th St.

Shoes Walking Out of Chicago Heights
The Payless Shoe Source is holding a store closing sale at its 321 W. Lincoln Highway location in Chicago Heights. The company has already deleted the store from its website.

Beggars Opens in Bourbonnais
The newest Beggars Pizza opened this week at 165 S. Main St. in Bourbonnais. The restaurant features a dining room, delivery and free wi-fi.

Hours are Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m.

The phone number is 815-937-9999.

Sam Maguire's Closes in Orland Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Sam Maguire's Irish Pub is no more.

The establishment closed its doors at 39 Orland Square Drive for the last time Sunday night.

Judging by the comments on its Facebook page, the closing caught everyone off guard.

It also caught the Orland Park Chamber off guard.

Chamber Executive Director Keloryn Putnam said she came in to work Monday and found out she had to find a new venue for this week's Young Professionals Meet Up, which had been scheduled for Sam Maguire's on Thursday.

"They hadn't been a chamber member for awhile," Putnam said. "So I don't really know what happened. I just came in and found out they were closed."

The meeting has been reschuduled for Casa Margarita, 9549 W. 151st St., at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

The phone number and website were both still working Monday, but neither the website nor a recorded phone message indicated the establishment was closed. There also was no indication on its Facebook page that the tavern was closed except for the dozens of comments by former employees and customers.

Mary McNally, a loan officer at the State Bank of Countryside branch in Homer Glen, said the closing was not linked to a foreclosure lawsuit filed against the tavern in September seeking $2.2 million.

"We had nothing to do with their closing," she said. "I know nothing about it."

She also said she believes the foreclosure suit is still making its way through Cook County Circuit Court.

The property has been listed for sale for months for $2.7 million, and was on a Coldwell Banker website as recently as Dec. 27, 2011.

Pet Store Opens in Tinley Park

Mochapet opened Friday in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Mochapet opened Friday at 7537 W. 159th St. in Tinley Park.

The store carries a full line of supplies for cats and dogs as well as the animals themselves. It does not, however, carry birds, fish or reptiles and has a limited number of products for those animals.

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

A website and Facebook page are coming. In the meantime, for more information call 708-444-7387.

CiCi's Pizza to Open Monday in Orland Park

A CiCi's Pizza will open at 11 a.m. Monday at 9218 W. 159th St. in the Park Hill Plaza center in Orland Park.

Texas-based CiCi's is a pizza buffet restaurant. The first 100 people to buy a buffet on Monday will win a free buffet a month for the coming year.

Hours will be Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For information, call 708-460-3002 or visit http://www.cicispizza.com/.

CiCi's Pizza will open Monday in Orland Park.

Bridgeview Life Storage Wins Award

Bridgeview Trustee Claudette Struzik and Life Storage manager Nancy Warrer inspect one of the units.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Life Storage has been selected for the 2011 Best of Bridgeview Award in the Mini & Self Storage category by the U.S. Commerce Association.

The storage facility at 7700 W. 79th St. in Bridgeview is the fourth largest in Illinois, said manager Jeffery Helms. He and co-manager Nancy Warrer received the award on Dec. 21.

The award is presented to companies that have exceptional marketing success in their local community, said the USCA in a release.

The 95,000 square foot facility opened three years ago, said Helms.

“We have more than 1,000 units,” he said. “We have only indoor units with climate controls. We also have truck docks and office suites.”

Helms said the Bridgeview facility is spread out over a larger area than most LifeStorage facilities. “Most of our facilities are vertical, we’re more horizontal,” he said.

The Best of Local Business award program recognizes outstanding businesses across the country, the USCA said.

The USCA is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

For more information, call Life Storage at 708-546-3249 or visit them at http://www.lifestorage.net/.



 

Blissful Banana Cafe Delayed

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A construction issue has pushed back the opening of Blissful Banana Café from this week to mid or late January, said owner Cynthia De Zutter.

The gourmet coffee shop and café will be opening at 15447 S. 94th Avenue in Orland Park.

Arby's closes in Tinley Park.

De Zutter, of Orland Hills, says everything on the menu will be made in-house and good for you.

“We’re steering toward healthy,” she said. “We won’t have any fryers and all of our lunch meats will be nitrate-free.”

De Zutter said the café will feature gourmet coffee, scones, muffins, side salads and a frozen concoction called a Banana Whip.

“We use pure bananas that are whipped into a custard-like soft ice cream,” she said. “Everyone who tries it will love it.”

The café will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tinley Arby’s Closes

The Arby’s at 6857 W. 159th St. in Tinley Park closed recently.

Pama Has new Home

Pama Hair Studio closed in Frankfort in November but didn’t go out of business. It relocated to 16060 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.

Owner Patricia Okai said the new location is a little smaller than the Frankfort location.

“We have three stylists,” Okai said adding there was room for one more stylist.

For information, call 708-633-1762 or visit their website http://www.pamahairstudio.com/.

Lockport Gets New McDonald's

A McDonald’s restaurant opened recently at 16519 W. 159th St. in Lockport within sight of the Interstate 355 exit.

It’s owned by the same franchisee that owns a second McDonald’s just a few blocks down the street.

The new location is aimed at motorists traveling on I-355, who can get off and back on the highway without paying a toll.

Wedding Cake Deal of the Month

Creative Cakes at 16649 Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, which supplied the cake for my daughter’s wedding, has a deal for couples getting hitched this year. Book your wedding cake with Creative Cakes this month and they will give you a $50 gift card. For information, call 708-614-9755 or visit their website http://www.realbuttercream.com/.

Dickey’s Barbecue Coming to Orland

Dickey's Barbecue is coming to Orland Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

About the only thing missing from Orland Park’s cornucopia of restaurants is a smokehouse. And that’s about to change.

Brothers John and Joseph Bak hope to open Dickey’s Barbecue Pit the week of Jan. 16 at 15110 S. LaGrange Road, in the former Fatburger space.

“We’re about 98 percent sure we’ll open on that Monday,” said John Bak.

Dickey’s Barbecue started in Dallas in 1941 and has been franchising the brand since 1994.

Bak said the Orland location will be the third Dickey’s in Illinois.

“Dickey’s is known for its slow-smoked meats,” said Bak. “We’ll be offering beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, smoked turkey, smoked ham, pork ribs and sausage.”

“My brother discovered Dickey’s when he flew into Dallas while returning from Mexico and loved it. He introduced it to the rest of the family and the rest is history,” said Bak.

The Orland Park location is about 2,600 square feet, said Bak. “We’ll have seating for about 55 at tables and booths.”

The restaurant will have 10 employees besides the brothers, Bak said.

The brothers, who hail from Oak Lawn and Lemont, plan on a second location in Oak Brook once the Orland location is up and running.

The restaurant will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, call 708-226-3090, fax 708-226-3091, visit http://www.dickeys.com/ or check out their Facebook page.

Piggly Wiggly Buys Piece of Tinley Plaza

Inland Real Estate Corp. recently sold 61,000 square feet of the Park Center Plaza at 16000 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park to Piggly Wiggly Midwest LLC for $3 million.

The space is leased by Eurofresh Market. The rest of the plaza remains the property of Inland Real Estate Corp.

Piggly Wiggly has said it has no intention of taking over the space.

Car Wash Closes

Supreme Car Wash closed recently at 15812 S. Wolf Road in Orland Park. The longtime business has been listed for sale for $500,000 and was foreclosed on earlier this year. The building was constructed in 2002.

Dentist Opens in Tinley

Performance Dental Care, an office operated by Dr. Kevin Fatland, opened recently at 7230 W. 191st St. in Tinley Park in the Brookside Marketplace. For information, call 815-526-0360.