Located next to Eyemart Express and T-Mobile in the Oakland Place Shopping Center, Future Fades Academy opens at new spot in DeKalb, offers hands-on training.

Sought Out Grounds, a new coffee shop in downtown Joliet that opened in May, has rebranded with an emphasis on hosting live events.

Algonquin restaurant BrewHaus 31 received assistance from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Chamber Foundation’s emergency grant to help recover from a water main break.

The Goodfellas Cigar Lounge Facebook page describes the business as a tobacco store and hookah lounge featuring “the largest selection of cigars in the Joliet area.”

A former teacher, Susan Kelly of Crystal Lake recalls how magical books were for her growing up. She hopes to pass along the same feeling in her newly opened, independent Magical Forest Bookstore in Fox River Grove.

A buyer is still being sought for Bizzy Bee Activity & Learning Center in Streator. 

A new live entertainment facility could be coming to Algonquin’s downtown, a business that neighboring property owners say could transform the area into a “destination place.”

The Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed new business Ritch Details Mobile Car Detailing during the Cruisin’ to Genoa Annual Car Show.

Bears Army Sauk Valley is a new Chicago Bears fan club for those who want to watch games together and earn perks along the way.

Ottawa artist Jeremy Johnson worked on the bowling-themed mural for a few hours a day for about a month.

Morning Delight Cafe is located at 2400 Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill.

This is the last week to get your ice cream favorites at a few small businesses across the Illinois Valley.

The free event for people and pets will take place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 16020 Illinois Rt. 59 in Plainfield.

The owners of Denim & Diamonds Saloon in downtown Sycamore said they are selling the building that houses their music-focused bar. Despite the potential for the building to be sold, the saloon remains open.

A proposed development of pricy row houses in downtown St. Charles has taken another step towards final approval, despite some concerns about tree removal and the loss of commercial space at the site.

Attendees will “take a culinary tour of Lockport’s eateries” and visit local landmarks during the event, which runs on Sunday, Sept. 14

This restaurant will be located near the corner of 135th Street and Route 59 in Plainfield, according to a news release from Portillo’s.

Crystal Lake could be home to two marijuana dispensaries once again as another company looks to take over the shuttered Spark’d location nine months after it abruptly closed.

The Geneva Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening of LadyStrong Fitness.

Aurora antique furniture store Warehouse 55 will move into the former Hearth & Hammer location in downtown Batavia next month after operating for 6 years in Aurora.

St. Charles-based 93 Octane Brewery is hosting a charity campaign all month to raise awareness for and support Cal’s Angels, an organization that supports children with cancer.

After dozens of seats were damaged at Sycamore State Theater in what was described by theater owners as an act of vandalism, the historic downtown spot has paired with Hy-Vee to raise funds for new seats.

Biteable, a bakery that opened in 2023 in downtown Lockport, has closed its physical location.

Campton Hills trustees approved an annexation agreement and the annexation of 962 acres for LaFox of Campton Hills in two split votes Thursday night.

An unidentified Fortune 500 company broke ground on 147 acres on DeKalb’s south side to build a 1-million-square-foot distribution facility, a capital investment firm announced Thursday. A spokesperson declined to identify the company behind the build.

The party will include a food truck, games, giveaways, a huge ReStore tent sale and financial empowerment information.

Explore Mr. Willy’s Dark Art and Oddities in DeKalb, showcasing unique relics and art. The shop is tentatively expected to open this fall.

“After 11 wonderful years with Christine Pellegrini, we are excited to welcome Jenny Peters as the new owner,” read the announcement on the business’s social media account.

Mike Lock and Justin Forbes are opening the card store at 1801 4th St.

The restaurant Tap House Grill in Algonquin Commons permanently closed its doors Tuesday.

The village of Shorewood recently issued a new seasonal business license to Spirit Halloween.

What began as a career in critical care nursing has evolved into a growing aesthetics and wellness business for Delaine Barbosa, the owner of Brazi’s Aesthetics in Rock Falls.

Trevor Kroll is looking to sell Scull & Oars, a local paddling outfitter, at a time when enthusiasts say the Fox River is at its prime for the sport.

The Batavia Chamber of Commerce and city of Batavia officials recently celebrated Pulte Homes new Ashton Ridge subdivision.

Plans for a Marriott-branded hotel were met favorably by DeKalb city leaders this week, as project leaders sought a proposed tax-sharing agreement after the hotel developer blamed tariffs and inflation for rising construction costs. A final vote is expected in September.

What began as a small online shop has since blossomed into a brick-and-mortar boutique: Homemade Hippie at 1009 Fourth St. in Fulton.

St. Charles Hardware will permanently close its doors at 3619 E. Main St. at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31.

The boutique carries mostly women’s clothing as well as shoes, soaps, lotions, Capri Blue volcano candles, Copper Pearl baby accessories, Warmies stuffed animals, jewelry and purses.

Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists are hosting an after-hours open house on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the clinic, 1211 Currency Court, Rochelle.

New owners of Lupita's Cucina, 40W222 LaFox Road, Campton Hills, changed the name to Ikal Y Sanse, and updated the menu for more traditional Mexican cuisine.

Nikki Tonioni, owner of Flower Bar, purchased Valley Flowers in 2024.

A Carroll County woman is helping others start their day with a smile, one cup at a time.

A Sycamore family-run Italian restaurant will close its doors for good on Saturday, owner Maria Male announced.

After 15 years, Diane Kinzer announced her plans to retire at the end of October. 

The Thirsty Mule, a nod to the mules that pulled the boats through the I&M Canal, will open at 541 1st St., the location of the former Social Kitchen that closed in 2019.

Ken Spears Construction celebrates 50 years of remodeling services in DeKalb.

After years of playing supporting roles in other game shops, Toby Wright has stepped into the role of main character, opening Azure Dragon Games in Fulton, leveling up from employee to owner.

Patrons of the location are encouraged to visit the Red Robin at 2860 Walter Payton Memorial Hwy. in Oswego.

Popular restaurant DC Cobb’s in Woodstock has permanently closed its doors.

Three Woodstock businesses will be eligible for relocation assistance from the city, which plans to raze the structure as part of a redevelopment of the area.