The Biz Week That Was: Growing pot sales, new eateries on tap and immersive auto spa among the highlights
Illinois on tap to have biggest year yet from marijuana tax revenue
Illinois is poised to see its best year yet for tax revenue from adult-use marijuana sales in 2024. That’s despite growing competition from neighboring states that have legalized recreational use in the five years since Illinois first did on Jan. 1, 2020. Through November, the state has received $426.5 million in taxes from legalized marijuana sources this year, according to Illinois Department of Revenue figures.
Carol Stream to welcome new Chipotle in 2025
The village of Carol Stream is awaiting permits for a new Chipotle restaurant approved for 114 S. Schmale Road, at the Carol Stream Marketplace. A roughly 2,400-square-foot building, the restaurant will offer indoor and outdoor seating and feature a drive-through pickup lane. It is anticipated to open in the second half of 2025.
Lolo’s Bowls opened a second location three weeks ago in a renovated florist shop at 34 E. Main St., in downtown Lake Zurich. Lolo is the nickname of Libertyville native Lauren Schick, who in 2019 opened the first store in a small, out-of-the-way spot in a strip center in her hometown.
‘A concert for your senses — in your car’: Drive Well Auto Spa offers self-care with a wash
The new Drive Well Auto Spa, 1791 Wall St., Mount Prospect, offers sights, sound and scents in addition to suds. Billed by the owners as the United States’ first “immersive car wash,” drivers are treated to soothing lighting, images on LED screens and 4K, high-resolution wall panels, ambient music with binaural beats, and aromatherapy via soaps infused with citrus and lavender scents.
Plan for car condos in South Barrington up for public review
Plans for an upscale storage facility for valuable cars will get their first formal review by South Barrington officials next week. The BeSpoke Group wants to construct a facility at the Arboretum of South Barrington. The company is eyeing open space on the center’s northwest side. South Barrington’s plan commission will review the proposal when it meets at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7, at village hall, 30 S. Barrington Road.
Ramzy’s Italian Steak House to replace The Local Kitchen & Tap in Schaumburg
Just days after the closure of The Local Kitchen & Tap in Schaumburg, plans already are maturing to replace it at 1140 E. Higgins Road with Ramzy’s Italian Steak House. The new venture is a collaboration between Akeel Ramzanali, who has more than 20 years of experience in the fast-food industry, and Matthew Doudalis, who brings the experience of running a gourmet restaurant after years managing Francesca’s in St. Charles, according Jack Buttitta, managing broker for Elite Realty Management & Investments. The new partnership not only will operate the restaurant but, unlike the previous few tenants, also own the building.
Small businesses brace themselves for potentially disruptive TikTok ban
A looming TikTok ban could affect the millions of small businesses that use the short-video social media app to help them grow their business.