WHEATON – Downtown Wheaton is becoming a dining destination in the western suburbs. The downtown commercial district already boasts 37 restaurants, coffee shops and confectionaries and soon will be adding a few new names to the roster with more to be announced later in the year, according to a Downtown Wheaton Association news release.
Fearless Donuts and Pacific Tacos will be open adjacent to each other at 216 W. Front St. this summer.
In addition, 302 Wheaton will be open at 302 W. Front St. this summer. It will feature outdoor and indoor dining.
Also joining the list of restaurants opening this summer will be Altiro of Wheaton, a Latin fusion restaurant at 132 N. Hale St. This new establishment marks the fifth location of a chain of small tapas-style Latin fusion restaurants that include Altiro of Geneva, La Grange and Chicago, along with Alchulo of West Chicago.
Sogno, a longtime Italian restaurant located on the second floor of 100 N. Hale St., is expanding its service to include a take-out establishment called The Streets of Naples. This new service will be located on the first floor adjacent to the restaurant’s ground floor entrance. No opening date has been confirmed.
Five & Hoek Coffee Company, 114 N. Main St., is undergoing expansion of its coffee shop with additional space at 112 N. Main St. adjacent to its current location. The newly expanded space will include additional customer seating along with a coffee roasting room and educational space. A commercial kitchen also is included in the expansion and will allow Five & Hoek to expand its menu offerings.
Other commercial properties in downtown Wheaton are now under serious consideration by potential business tenants. Currently there are letters of intent on the following locations:
• 109 N. Hale St., which is undergoing construction for a new façade.
• 104 N. Hale St., formerly Bella Roba
• 221 W. Front St., formerly Serene Teaz
• 225 W. Front St., formerly Bank of America
Last year’s completion of a new streetscape for Front Street in downtown Wheaton also is drawing the attention of prospective businesses. The wider sidewalks, lighting, community fireplace and decorative fountain at the new Martin Memorial Plaza are a testament to the city of Wheaton’s commitment to maintain an updated and vibrant downtown for its residents, the release stated.
The second phase of the streetscape improvements now is underway for Wesley and Cross streets. Improvements on Hale Street will begin mid-summer.
The second phase of the downtown Wheaton streetscape project is expected to be completed in early fall.