In a week filled with notable headlines from the Illinois business landscape, Chicago food culture and community support have taken center stage.
From a distinctive collaboration between brands to the heartwarming actions of a young girl, this edition of Illinois business news showcases the vibrancy and resilience of the local community.
One of the most exciting developments has been the launch of the Chicago Dog Deep Dish Pizza, described as a creatively bold initiative that exemplifies the spirit of Chicago’s culinary scene.
Vallory McCormack, the director of marketing at Portillo’s, remarked that the collaboration embodies the unique and special qualities that define Chicago food.
In addition to delectable food innovations, economic challenges continue to loom over the state, particularly as recent tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump threaten to elevate prices on various goods.
In response, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has taken proactive measures by signing an executive order aimed at studying the impact of these tariffs, referred to as the ‘Trump Slump.’
The implications of these tariffs have raised concerns regarding the potential increase in costs for several products across Illinois.
State Farm, a key player in the insurance industry, has announced a staggering hike in rates for homeowners, pushing rates up by 27.2%.
Additionally, this week’s headlines include a touching story about a child’s lemonade stand that has been set up to aid victims of recent flooding in Texas.
The little girl’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly as she makes a significant impact through her modest effort, demonstrating the power of community involvement and support.
In the realm of real estate, former Chicago Bulls player DeMar DeRozan has made waves by listing his mansion for an impressive $6.25 million.
Moreover, a troubling development was reported where lawyers for the Chicago Housing Authority attempted to use a non-existent case fabricated by ChatGPT to influence a judge’s ruling, sparking discussions about the integrity of legal processes.
On a lighter note, in celebration of National Tequila Day occurring on July 24, Chili’s has rolled out a $6 Marg of the Month special featuring the Berry Dragon Marg, enticing customers to indulge in summer flavors.
Further highlighting the local dining scene, a new beer collaboration titled ‘Wind and Waves’ has been unveiled, bridging the local Beverly community with coastal vibes through a partnership between Open Outcry and California Wild Ales.
This special brew is set to debut on Sunday, July 20, adding a fresh twist to the offerings available to local craft beer enthusiasts.
In Elmhurst, a popular Mexican chain is making plans to open a new location, contributing to a growing trend of over 20 sites across Illinois.
Meanwhile, Joliet is buzzing with developments, including the upcoming grand opening of a drive-up coffee shop on West Jefferson Street, taking the place of a previously vacant Long John Silver’s property.
The Joliet City Council is set to vote on whether to allow alcoholic beverages at the city’s new Fry The Coop restaurant, aiming to enhance the dining experience of its patrons.
In more local business news, a sweet corn stand has opened at Hey! Hot Dog, where B.J. Uedelhofen, the owner and a farmer, debuted fresh sweet corn offerings.
Not far behind, the City Council of Joliet is also discussing the establishment of a second Jack In The Box location, showing the area’s growth and appeal to franchise businesses.
Manhattan’s Peaceful Grounds Coffee shop is set to unveil ‘The Manhattan Speakeasy,’ a new feature that combines whiskey, wine, and a casual atmosphere for its customers.
To commemorate a decade of service, SPENGA, a Mokena fitness studio, has partnered with Mike Bacon of Arrowhead Ales Brewing to launch a commemorative beer named WERKout Wheat.
Turning our gaze toward broader business developments, plans are underway to demolish the Ford City Mall, with a proposed $150 million redevelopment into an industrial park placed on the table by a warehouse developer.
In Frankfort, plans for a culinary studio have progressed, aimed at offering a variety of cooking classes along with a lounge and bar for social gatherings.
Seasonal hires are being sought at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm for their upcoming Fall Fest scheduled from September 5 to November 2, adding to the region’s vibrant seasonal attractions.
Finally, in a positive twist, the Barnes & Noble store at the Promenade Bolingbrook has extended its lease, highlighting the mall owners’ efforts to stabilize tenancy.
In Winnetka, a Brazilian Lymph Spa known for its specialized services in lymphatic drainage and body sculpting is set to open later this year, broadening the wellness options available to residents.
As Illinois continues to evolve, the small business community is encouraged to engage in events like the Market in the Park scheduled for July 20, where over 80 small business owners will showcase their products.
Moreover, a new dog park and indoor bar project are also planned near downtown Oswego as part of a larger initiative to transform vacant industrial spaces into recreational areas for the community.
In a stroke of luck, a winning lotto ticket worth $1 million was sold at Justice Citgo Station, bringing joy to an unidentified player who matched all six Lotto Million 1 numbers drawn on July 10.
As Illinois businesses navigate the complexities of the current economic climate and embrace innovative ventures, it is clear that community spirit plays a significant role in fostering resilience and collaboration.
image source from：patch
