The Biz Week That Was: A new grocer, tap room, and plaza among the highlights
Indian cafe, grocery store plan clears hurdle in Buffalo Grove
Schaumburg resident Rakesh Pandita is seeking the village of Buffalo Grove’s approval to open Minaz Café and Indian Grocery Store in a vacant space at 21 N. Buffalo Grove Road. The proposal received a positive recommendation Wednesday from the village’s planning and zoning commission. The 1,300-square-foot space in the Buffalo Grove Shoppes shopping center previously had been occupied by another Indian grocer, Arrow Grocery, until the owner retired last year.
Get into the groove at new hybrid record store/taproom in Lisle
Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap opened this week in Lisle’s College Square Shopping Center at 6450 College Road. The business, which combines the resurgent cool of vinyl records with the deliciousness of cold craft beer, had a grand opening celebration Friday and Saturday. The combo record store, craft beer taproom and bottle shop boasts a collection of 13,000 new and used vinyl records and eight tap handles featuring a rotating selection of local craft beers.
South Barrington may ease restrictions on drive-throughs
South Barrington officials may ease the prohibitions on drive-through windows as soon as next week fearing longtime restrictions are resulting in lost commercial opportunities. Village Administrator Robert Palmer said drive-through service became even more sought-after during the COVID-19 pandemic because people feared exposing themselves to infected customers. People were even able to get tested for COVID-19 without leaving their cars by visiting drive-through operations.
Downtown plaza and east side developments in store for St. Charles in 2024
The official opening of the First Street Plaza development in St. Charles is set for 6 p.m. Jan. 24. The new plaza will offer a central location for public fairs and festivals, entertainment and events. It includes a paved, pedestrian walkway connecting the space to the existing plaza on the east side of First Street. The northern portion of First Street — from Main Street to the entrance of the parking garage — has been permanently closed to vehicles to accommodate the walkway.
St. Charles restaurant transitions to event venue
St. Charles’ former Eden Restaurant & Events has switched gears to become Eden Events. The business at 1 Illinois St. is embracing its new role as a premier event location on the south side of downtown St. Charles, just west of the Fox River. Eden Events co-owner Jamal Amro said the change will allow them to align more with their vision for the business. Owners also announced plans to begin hosting live music events from a wide range of musical genres. The stage will feature music from around the world, from jazz and blues to contemporary hits.