Cook County briefs
Jimmy D's reopens:
A remodeled Jimmy D's reopened this week near Arlington Park at 1718 W. Northwest Hwy. After failing to get their expansion approved in October 2006, the owners went back and got a smaller version approved in 2008. The new Jimmy D's has slightly reduced seating - 120 to 113 seats - and a greatly reduced bar area that now seats 21 people instead of 80.
The restaurant's hours will remain the same.
Restaurant gives up liquor:
Breezes of Mexico, a Mount Prospect restaurant, will no longer serve liquor. According to Village Clerk M. Lisa Angell, the restaurant's owners decided on their own to stop serving liquor; they have not had any trouble with the village. The Mount Prospect village board approved deleting the restaurant's liquor license on Monday. The restaurant is at 1742 E. Kensington Road.
Willow Bend principal named:
Barbie Rothbauer has been appointed principal at Willow Bend School in Rolling Meadows for the 2009-10 school year by the Palatine Township Elementary District 15 school board. She replaces Toni Kappel, who is retiring June 30 after 15 years as Willow Bend principal and 33 years in District 15. Since 2001, Rothbauer been an assistant principal in Huntley. She also taught elementary students for 13 years in Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54. Rothbauer will begin at Willow Bend on July 1.
Longaberger CEO to speak:
Tami Longaberger, CEO of the basket-making business, Longaberger Co., will visit the Northwest suburbs Thursday, May 7, to talk about her business, the benefits of starting a new business and to give away some of her products. The event begins 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Chicago Northwest Hotel, 3400 W. Euclid Ave., in Arlington Heights. Reservations not required, but if you'd like to make one, call (740) 322-5588, or e-mail guestrelations@longaberger.com.
Club sandwich pays off:
Houlihan's in Schaumburg will welcome back the winner of its Dowwie Wowwie promotion on Thursday. Corrine Potvin will collect the $5,000 she won on Feb. 15 as part of a promotion that gave away free doughnuts if the Dow Jones Industrial was up, and a free appetizer valid on the next visit if the Dow was down. A Houlihans's spokesman said the contest added some lightheartedness to otherwise gloomy times. The restaurant is located at 1901 E. Golf Road.
Cinco de Mayo at Twin Lakes:
The Palatine Opportunity Center will host its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration on Thursday, May 7, at the Twin Lakes Clubhouse, 1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, in Palatine. The party, which is open to the public, is a come-and-go event for adults from 5-9 p.m. A Mexican buffet will be served from 6-9 p.m. and a cash bar will be available. The celebration will feature Mexican music, salsa dance lessons, games and prizes. Tickets are $35 at the door; which is tax deductible - the Opportunity Center is a 501C3 not-for-profit organization. The Center is at 1585 N. Rand Road in Palatine.