"Eyes on Enterprise" business news for northern Illinois
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.
Attendees will “take a culinary tour of Lockport’s eateries” and visit local landmarks during the event, which runs on Sept. 14
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.
Richardson Electronics Ltd., 40W267 Keslinger Road, La Fox will invest more than $8.5 million over the next four years to expand manufacturing of its green energy products, power grid and microwave tubes.
A hotelier is asking for DeKalb city financial aid to construct a four-story, Marriott-branded hotel, blaming “current economic conditions, tariffs and inflation” for increasing his cost to build, documents show.
A nearly 100-year-old Crystal Lake building, previously Hickory Hall, has been transformed by new owners into a light and airy venue called The Ellery.
Graham's Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, 302 S. Third St., Geneva, the company is hosting its 35th annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting during Festival of the Vine, Sept. 5-7.
Action Packaging will be moving its operations to Woodstock – with a little help from the city.
The owner of DeKalb-based business, Wreckroom, is organizing support for Rockford mother Emily Vangorkum after the mother's recent hardships.
CAROLINE, 101. Third St., Geneva, features a collected, evolving product mix designed to enrich customers lives.
A proposed eight-unit duplex development in downtown St. Charles moved closer to approval with a positive recommendation from the city's Plan Commission this week. Units could go for $1.9 million a piece, according to the current proposal.
The long-vacant and historic McCabe’s buildings in downtown DeKalb have reopened after a $1.1 million overhaul, owner David Long said. Long said he's ready to accept reservations for events and other gatherings.
Stephanie and Dave Stacy took ownership of Garden’s Gate in 2009.
Nik & Ivy Brewing in Lockport is celebrating its fifth anniversary with activities on Friday through Sunday.
Marseilles' longtime pharmacy is closing its doors.
Johnsons Carpet Shoppe in Princeton is adding furniture to its inventory.
Butcher on the Block in Lake in the Hills celebrated its 25th anniversary and it was “exactly” what the late owner would have wanted, his family said.
Butcher on the Block in Lake in the Hills celebrates its 25th anniversary in August 2025, months after co-founder Tom Yucuis' unexpected death.
Clarks Run Antiques and Wine is opening a 1,500-square-foot event center at 215 N. Division St., Utica.
Huntley has announced which businesses will be in the first round of the village’s new Shops on Main retail incubator.
Jack in the Box, the California-based burger chain expanding to the Chicago market, opened its Lake in the Hills restaurant Monday.
TR Miller Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical in Plainfield completed its second annual pet food drive with supplies going to three different animal shelters.