Trump and Truth Store owner Lisa Fleischmann hopes to reopen her store in a few weeks in Crystal Lake.

Mother and son duo Carrie and Declan Sebold took over the KidStrong Batavia fitness center because they know when it comes to kids confidently flexing, it’s about so much more than muscles.

Compass Tax Advisors offer a wide range of tax preparation and financial services for individuals, families and small businesses.

Whiskey Acres Distilling Co., where the corn is grown, harvested and distilled on-site, once again earned top honors at the Heartland Whiskey Competition as Best-in-State for Illinois.

The former Snyder’s pharmacy in Dixon, now a convenience store, will close by Jan. 31 after being sold to CGH Medical Center.

Brave Arts Creative Studio, at 115 S. Hennepin Ave. in Dixon, is open Monday through Friday at various times for kids to get creative at open studio or learn about art in a more structured setting and for art parties designed for families and adults.

Maze Lumber has announced a leadership change as it enters its 178th year of operations, the company said in a news release.

Richmond added an outdoor ice rink to McConnell Park, a first for the small community, using tax revenue from the local cannabis dispensary.

After years of delays, a developer is expected to present his final plan to turn the long-vacant former St. Mary’s Hospital on Fisk Avenue in DeKalb into an apartment building.

A Rock Falls father and daughter have teamed up to bring back local favorite Arnie’s Happy Spot and its original chicken recipe. Owners Dave and Maddie Cochran held a soft opening for the restaurant at 1667 Hoover Road in Deer Grove, now called The Happy Spot, on Dec. 11.

A split vote by the Village Board resulted in Elburn’s decision not to hire an economic development coordinator during this fiscal year.

Kids Garage McHenry, which has opened just outside the city, gives kids a place to play, explore and burn energy.

The Three Rivers Association of Realtors recently announced its Top 100 Realtors in a video pinned to the top of its Facebook page.

Books range from bestsellers, lesser known titles and books by independent authors, alongside "bookish gifts."

Mr. Auto Care is a full-service automotive repair shop with a mission beyond fixing vehicles.

A developer wants to install an industrial and commercial business park with travel center, a gas station and convenience store along Peace Road in DeKalb. The plan is being called the DeKalb Commerce Center, documents show.

The Treehouses at Starved Rock is a 26-acre retreat carved into Starved Rock’s border. There are two treehouses available for short stays and two more under construction, with availability beginning in February.

After closing in 2024, Sam and Serena Witz reestablished the Serena Cafe on Wednesday, March 5.

“It’s very exciting to have more retail invest in the city of Peru,” Mayor Ken Kolowski said when the store opened. “Our goal is to continue to create more retail and more jobs for our community.”

Column: The DeKalb Citizens’ Environmental Commission will launch a Green Business Recognition Program in early 2026 to encourage and celebrate businesses that take meaningful steps toward sustainability, writes Linda Srygler and Shaun Langley.

The Illinois Valley welcomed a few new coffee businesses this year.

Cajun Connection closed in 2023, but the loss of the nearly 30-year-old restaurant was softened with plans for a food truck.

If there’s one thing the Illinois Valley does well, it’s pizza, and in 2025, Peru lost two of its favorites.

Downtown La Salle welcomed new businesses in 2025 thanks to a renovation project.

In February, Jo-Ann Fabrics announced plans to close 500 of its 850 craft and fabric stores, which included the Peru location.

The open-air shopping venue with portable retail stalls is modeled after Batavia and Muskegon, Michigan.

Amazon opened a last-mile delivery facility in Ottawa in September, bringing in jobs while speeding up deliveries across the Illinois Valley.

Will County welcomed a lot of new businesses in 2025 – and saw a few long-time ones close their doors. The restaurant and coffee scene is bustling.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois closed four health centers in March, including its Ottawa location.

The closure was announced in late 2024 when the company made plans to move forward with going-out-of-business sales at the remaining 963 Big Lots stores.

The last shoe repair shop in the Illinois Valley, Tino’s Shoe & Boot Repair in Ottawa, shuttered after 40 years this past October.

Illinois Valley businesses large and small closed in 2025. After less than a year in operation, Illinois Food and Deli in La Salle closed on April 30.

Food Shed Co-op in Woodstock opened in 2024 after a decade in the making. But a year and a half later, it's at risk of closing its doors.

Rochelle Apple Roasted Cafe & Family Restaurant opened in mid-December at 134 May Mart Drive in Rochelle at the former site of Dog Hub.

Two Men and a Junk Truck, an offshoot of Two Men and a Truck, is expanding to Crystal Lake and Aurora.

McHenry County’s first Scooter’s Coffee location is open inside the Algonquin Meijer, located at 400 S. Randall Road.

From clothing and hobby stores to restaurants and auto shops, read a recap of 2025's business activity in the Sauk Valley.

Year in Review: The city of DeKalb welcomed a variety of new businesses in 2025.

The Jeffrey Cesario Insurance Agency has moved to a new location in Batavia.

To date, The Timbers of Shorewood, senior living facility, has donated more than $82,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Feathered Fork restaurant recently opened at 20631 Renwick Road.

A distillery and bar in Cary known for its unique spirit options has permanently closed after co-owners lock horns in years-long legal battles.

The Joliet Chapter bestows its Gold Star Award to people making impactful contributions in the community.

Businesses came and went in DeKalb this year, Here’s a look at a few changes:

The new Erne’s Restaurant & Bar inside Pickle Haus in Algonquin is described as “polished casual” with an updated menu and atmosphere. Operators hope it will bring people in to dine, not just play pickleball.

The Wirtz legacy of dressing McHenry residents comes to an end on Dec. 30, when Tony and Laurie Wirtz retire, closing the tailor shop Tony has ran for 36 years.

Vickie's Place on the Fox River in McHenry is closing Sunday after 40 years. But a new owner already has plans to reopen. Find out who is it.

After more than seven years, Jean Arthur Salon in Peru plans to close its doors.

Heritage Harbor announced that the Illinois Crafter/Bluegill Boathouse & Marina Bar concluded its services with the Ottawa marina community.

The Gamers Guild Lounge in Princeton will soon close permanently.