The Biz Week That Was: Data center plan dropped, celebrity chefs come to Aurora casino, and Wahlburgers closes
Rezoning request for potential data center in Hoffman Estates withdrawn
The firm that owns the 186-acre Plum Farms property at Higgins Road and Route 59 in Hoffman Estates has withdrawn its request to rezone the site to manufacturing use that potentially would have enabled a data center there.
Chefs Giada De Laurentiis and Stephanie Izard bring taste of celebrity to Hollywood Casino Aurora
The new Hollywood Casino Aurora is providing suburban diners with plenty of star power after opening its doors last week. The $360 million land-based casino and hotel hopes to draw in people with more than just gaming, offering eateries from well-known restaurateurs including Giada De Laurentiis and Stephanie Izard, among others.
Wahlburgers in St. Charles closes abruptly Monday
A month shy of its sixth anniversary, Wahlburgers in St. Charles announced on social media Monday that it would close the location immediately. “It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce Wahlburgers St. Charles will be permanently closing our doors on June 29, 2026 as our current lease at this location has come to an end,” the Facebook post read.
Lou Malnati’s opens renovated Buffalo Grove restaurant with new patio
Lou Malnati’s recently completed renovation of its Buffalo Grove restaurant, featuring a new outdoor patio, updated interior and exterior, and design elements that reflect the building’s history.
Vernon Hills plans to retire 2 special tax increment financing districts
Two of three special financing districts created as incentives for what have become successful developments along Milwaukee Avenue in Vernon Hills are headed for retirement. Village officials have authorized steps to end tax increment financing districts designated for the Town Center area, established as a southern gateway at Milwaukee and Route 45, and the Mellody Farm retail/restaurant center to the north at Route 60.
Rebranded former Kamp K9 in Long Grove debuts as Digs Dog Care
Digs Dog Care, a growing national network of high-quality pet resorts, opened this past weekend in the former Kamp K9 location in Long Grove. The official rebranding of the longtime facility at 2727 Route 53, was celebrated with an open house featuring tours, activities for dogs and handlers, giveaways and an on-site adoption with For Good Rescue.
Dining out: Portillo’s new Char’diniera Dog, $2.50 kids’ scoops at Oberweis
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any warmer around the suburbs, Portillo’s went and turned up the heat on their dogs with a spicy new limited-time menu item. The new Char’diniera Dog is a char-grilled beef hot dog infused with giardiniera and provolone cheese that delivers smoky flavor and some heat. Guests can enjoy the new Char’diniera Dog Maxwell-style with mustard and grilled onions or fully Chicago-style.