The Biz Week That Was: Auto repair shop closes, referendum on development and more among the highlights
Palatine auto and tire repair shop dating back to 1946 to close at year’s end
The vintage brick building conjures memories of classic roadside auto repair shops. The Goodyear logo on the facade also touches a nostalgic chord. Busch Auto Service Center, 137 S. Northwest Highway in Palatine, has been in business since 1946. But the business will conclude its final chapter next week.
Kelley’s Market now open in Huntley; Which Wich and Paciugo Gelato shop to debut this week
The Kelley’s Market gas station and convenience store now is open at 10111 Route 47 on the north side of Huntley, the village announced in a post on its Facebook page Monday. The gas station also has a touchless car wash. It addresses a long-standing need for a gas station on the north side of Huntley.
Referendum seeks to reverse Sugar Grove approval of controversial 761-acre development
People opposed to the large The Grove development in Sugar Grove are continuing to fight it, months after the village board approved the plan. On Thursday, resident Patrick Gallagher filed a petition to place a referendum question on the April 1 ballot, asking village officials to reverse their decision.
Dining out: Pair of longtime restaurants close, while new spots open
The end of 2024 brought with it the end of longtime runs for a pair of suburban restaurants. But we also have a couple of new offerings opening up.
Former Aurora hospital building reopens as café
The 136-year-old original Copley Hospital building in Aurora has reopened as a neighborhood eatery. Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin joined developers, business owners, and neighborhood residents for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Dec. 23, at 504 Lincoln Ave. Built in 1888 as the City Hospital of Aurora, the site on the National Historic Register had space for 25 beds for patient, maternity and surgical care.
Loyal patrons of a beloved Libertyville restaurant are paying tribute to its late cofounder. George Karahalios, 72, of Libertyville, ran the Townee Square Restaurant, 508 N. Milwaukee Ave., with his family for nearly 40 years. He died Monday after a 13-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Townee regulars have shared stories and expressed sympathies on the restaurant’s Facebook page and on son Alex Karahalios’ page.
Guests become contestants in immersive TV-style game show experience in Oak Brook
Armchair game show enthusiasts can now spin the wheel and slam their own buzzers at a new interactive attraction in Oak Brook. Great Big Game Show, an immersive, live-hosted experience where guests step into the role of game show contestants, opened Sunday in Oakbrook Center.