Mix of stores set to open in Oakridge Court

Many of you have been wondering which one is actually opening in Algonquin - a Babies "R" Us or a Toys "R" Us.

The answer is both.

Next month, the two stores will open under one roof along Randall Road, in Algonquin's Oakridge Court, which already holds JC Penney, and soon will be home to even more stores and restaurants.

The 65,000-square-foot store will combine a full-size Babies "R" Us, and a full-size Toys "R" Us in one.

"The store format provides an exceptional shopping convenience for time-strapped parents, and brings the company back to its roots of offering toys and baby products in one location," said Jennifer Albano, the company's manager of corporate communications.

So for, 10 of the combined "R" superstores have opened across the country, with the most recent opening in Rockford. The Algonquin location will open Oct. 24, Albano said.

What else? With all of the construction happening at Oakridge Court, it's obvious more than just the "R" stores are coming to Randall Road.

Katie Parkhurst, Algonquin's senior planner, gave us a rundown of what else to expect.

In addition to Toys "R" Us and Babies "R" Us opening next month, Parkhurst said to also look for construction to be complete on Discovery - a clothing store, Kay Jewelers and Sally's Beauty Supply by the end of October or early November.

Coming in February will be a TJ Maxx and Dollar Tree.

Later, Binny's Beverage Depot is expected to open in the same center, though Parkhurst said the village hasn't yet issued a building permit for the center.

Also, on an outlot in front of the shopping center will be the restaurant many of you have been waiting for - Sonic! The restaurant, which features carhops and fun nostalgia, is under construction and should be open in a few months, Parkhurst said.

I scream: Stop on by Cold Stone Creamery on Thursday, Sept. 25, for a free 3-ounce Make A Wish Creation.

From 5 to 8 p.m., the business along Randall Road in Lake in the Hills and Randall in South Elgin will join Cold Stone Creameries across the nation in holding the World's Largest Ice Cream Social.

All month long, the business has been selling stars to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the ice cream social is part of the Make-A-Wish month. On that night, you can try one of two flavors created by Make-A-Wish children.

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from South Elgin to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or at (847) 894-5036.