The Biz Week That Was: TIF development success, eclipse doughnuts and rockin’ ravioli among highlights

‘This was a good decision we made’: Mellody Farm paying off in Vernon Hills

Nearly eight years ago, the question in Vernon Hills was whether a hefty upfront village incentive to ignite development on prime open property at Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and Townline Road (Route 60) would be worth the investment. Turns out the luxury apartments and bevy of stores and restaurants developed on the northeast corner as Mellody Farm have exceeded expectations. So much so that the tax increment financing district created for Mellody Farm — one of three in the village — may be retired 14 years early.

New restaurant brings Spanish-Latin fusion cuisine to The Drake Oak Brook

The Drake Oak Brook unveiled its first new full restaurant in over five decades this week, fusing two cuisines representing the hotel’s owner and chef. Coa, located at 2301 York Road in the iconic hotel, offers agave-infused cuisine and tequila-based spirits that blend Spanish and Latin influences inspired by the respective cultures of hotel owner Tely Nagle and Executive Chef Ezequiel Dominguez.

From Krispy Kreme to SunChips, companies roll out total solar eclipse promotions

More and more businesses are taking advantage of the total solar eclipse set to dim skies across North America on Monday. In the snacks department alone, Krispy Kreme is teaming up with Oreo to sell a limited doughnut-cookie creation. Sonic Drive-In is selling a “Blackout Slush Float.” And Frito-Lay’s SunChips has unveiled a new flavor that will only be available during the celestial event’s nearly 4 and a half minutes of totality.

‘Everything must be experiential’: Onesti brings personal touches to Rock ‘N Ravioli in St. Charles

Ron Onesti says his new St. Charles restaurant will be his “signature venue.” Inspired by an unlikely combination of his family’s Italian heritage, his love of rock ’n’ roll and the history of a building that dates to the 1920s, Rock ‘N Ravioli is Onesti’s most personal restaurant to date. It is located in the same building complex as the Arcada Theatre, at 105 E. Main St.

‘A very strong development’: Nordstrom Rack to open soon in Wheaton

Nordstrom Rack is expanding into the Chicago suburbs with an eagerly anticipated store opening in Wheaton next month and another coming to Geneva in 2025. Three tenant spaces in Wheaton’s Danada Square East retail center were combined to create one store with about 29,000 square feet. The Rack is slated to open its doors on May 30, Nordstrom spokesperson Manuela Uscher confirmed.