Eyes on Enterprise

The proprietors of Sunberry Farm near Wonder Lake want to build a slaughterhouse. But people living nearby have twice filled a county conference room – and several neighbors have retained an attorney – to oppose the plans.

Henry Ace Hardware is celebrating its grand opening Friday through Sunday.

The menu at Rivers Edge in Marseilles is Italian inspired with popular menu items including firecracker shrimp and their Brussels sprouts appetizer, the owners said.

After 34 years of providing eye care to patients, Dr. Donald Marion has retired.

Keegan Shirley owns Gleam Team, a commercial and residential window-washing business he runs with several of his friends and fellow Dixon High School athletes.

NSG Group recently announced its newest photovoltaic solar array at Pilkington, its Ottawa facility, which will supply about 3.9 gigawatt hours of renewable electricity annually.

Despite having shed a few stores in recent years, The Fresh Market grocery chain is in the midst of a true growth spurt, bringing its distinct stores to redeveloping areas of the suburbs.

A retail clothing and home goods department store is coming to Northland Shopping Center in DeKalb, according to a city announcement Wednesday.

The Illinois Tollway aims to connect small, diverse and veteran-owned firms with resources and training that will increase their opportunities to provide goods and services to the Tollway and other government agencies

A grungy alternative to DeKalb County’s family entertainment and amusement industry will sling its final axe this weekend. Northern Axeposure, an indoor axe-throwing venue in Sycamore, will close after Sunday.

Crystal Lake resident McKenna Dunn, 24, and her father, James Dunn, have taken over the paddleboard rental business at The Board House at Three Oaks Recreation Area.

Stubbz Galley, located in the South Shore Boat Club, 2380 Water St., Peru was opened May 1, 2025, and offers a full menu for lunch and dinner.

Outdoor farmers market season is underway this spring, with many options in the McHenry County area.

A family-owned Savarino’s Pizza is closing the doors on its Shorewood location on Sunday.

The McHenry Country Club has been sold for almost $2 million to a local businessman and philanthropist, and the McHenry City Council had a special meeting to grant a liquor license.

Ladd Lanes, 212 S. Main St. in Ladd, announces its summer hours.

Trinkets & Treasures has opened in a newly renovated storefront at 409 E. Main St. in downtown Streator.

Biggby Coffee quick service coffee shop in Shorewood is now under new ownership, according to the village of Shorewood.

A Plainfield woman will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the “Longest Marathon as a Quiz Master.”

Sam’s Pizza is hosting a block party Sunday to celebrate 50 years.

Lois’ Kitchen farmstand is open for the season. She’ll have pies, breads, cookies, jams, jellies and pickles, among other items.

Gold Rice Authentic Tai Food has found a new location, but it’s not yet open.

Bolingbrook’s CosMc’s will close in late June, less than 2 years after opening with much hype, McDonald’s said in a statement.

Janet & June is a boutique women’s clothing store owned by Sarah Bohm of Walnut. The store carries a vibrant collection of women’s clothing inspired by 90s and Y2K fashion, full of bold colors, fun patterns and statement pieces.

Residents of a subdivision neighboring a proposed 37-acre mixed-use development are speaking out against a plan that would connect New Haven Drive to Route 31, disrupting their community, residents say.

Shay’s Hair Studio opens in Peru

Brent Hollenberg is rehabbing a former synagogue outside Crystal Lake into a six-unit vacation rental property, breathing new life in the 111-year-old building.

The Patio is planning to construct a new 8,000 to 9,000-square restaurant “from the ground up” at 250 E. Maple St. in New Lenox,

Cravers in Lockport offers “authentic Gyro delights” and “crispy beef” options on a plentiful menu.

QuikTrip recently opened a new travel center on Weber Road in Romeoville.

The McHenry Applebee's Grill + Bar the location had complaints about the building's condition and minor violations prior to it closing down, McHenry County records show.

After 11 years, Amia Boutique in downtown La Salle will soon be closing its doors.

Two housing proposals, a mix of town homes, apartments and age 55-and-older units, were pitched to the McHenry City Council Monday with mixed feedback from the board

SOL Inspired LLC and Lunar Waves LLC celebrated their new location at 2116 Fourth St., Peru.

A new Italian restaurant focusing on fresh pasta, wine and bringing a culinary twist to classic Italian dishes and drinks is opening at the former JJ’s Pub in Ottawa.

McDonald's, a Chicago-based fast food chain, has a new location coming to the intersection of Plank Road and Route 23 in northern Sycamore.

Goetsch’s Fresh Fruits & Veggies Farm Stand in Ottawa is moving to a new location.

Hidden Harbor, a plan to revitalize blighted property at Chapel Hill Road and the Fox River in Johnsburg, came closer to reality Wednesday with nods from the village’s planning and zoning commission.

There’s a new, convenient place to buy food in downtown Sycamore now that Xpress Mart has opened in the former 7-Eleven building.

A slaughterhouse proposal near Woodstock is headed to the McHenry County Board - but it’s not without opposition from nearby residents and Hartland Township.

Werk Force Brewing in Plainfield earned a bronze medal at the 2025 World Beer Cup.

A Kansas-based bakery chain specializing in gourmet cupcakes recently opened a Sycamore location.

Sullivan’s Tavern, 722 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, is throwing a party this Saturday for its 80th anniversary, and everyone is invited.

The superintendents at Algonquin-based District 300, Crystal Lake District 155 and Huntley District 158 talked about business partnerships with schools at a chamber event.

Decor & More is a home-based business in Rock Falls specializing in charmingly whimsical pre-made wooden signs, door hangers, shelf sitters, do-it-yourself kits and coffee mugs.

Nelson’s Jewelry in Crystal Lake is celebrating its recent reopening following more than 60 years in the Nelson family with a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, following by an all-day celebration.

Owner Sonia Robinson opened the studio two months ago after deciding to downsize her former business, Primitive Frills, to spend more time doing what she loves, art.

An Ottawa-based pizzeria is opening a second location in downtown DeKalb, expected to open in June, owner Tim Cottingim said. “It’s a different type of pizza than American-style pizza,” he said.

Sought Out Grounds is a new coffee shop in downtown Joliet that plans to pair live music with a diverse menu.

The iconic Rock Falls barbershop is getting a new home. The new location will be fully wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant, offering expanded amenities, including additional barber stations, a dedicated employee break room and a private manager’s office.