The Biz Week That Was: Andretti Indoor Karting to open; Whole Foods signs lease

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Schaumburg awaiting green flag to open Tuesday

Anticipated for four years, just days remain for Andretti Indoor Karting & Games to open its northernmost U.S. location in Schaumburg and anchor the first phase of a new entertainment district. The 98,000-square-foot entertainment venue at 1441 Thoreau Drive North features high-speed electric Superkarts on a multilevel track, a state-of-the-art arcade, professional racing simulators, Hologate VR, Hyperdeck VR, a two-story laser tag arena, Spark Interactive Duckpin Bowling and a 7D Xperience Motion Theater. It opens to the public at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Whole Foods coming to The Clove in Buffalo Grove

After months of uncertainty and several false starts, Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith announced via YouTube video Thursday that Whole Foods has signed a lease to occupy The Clove. Woods said residents can anticipate an early 2027 opening. The village has been trying to lure a new grocer to the site after a planned Amazon Fresh grocery store fell through.

Will cricket-focused eatery join Wheeling’s Restaurant Row?

Plans for a proposed restaurant that would feature cricket simulators will be presented for a public hearing Wednesday in Wheeling. Wheeling’s plan commission will hold the hearing for the business dubbed 604 The Arena. It’s proposed for the former Buca di Beppo, 604 N. Milwaukee Ave. The business would serve food and have a bar and lounge area, cricket simulators and space for private events.

Schaumburg considers extending tax incentive to Loeber Farm housing development

Schaumburg and nearby local governments will soon discuss extending a tax incentive for redevelopment at the 33-acre Loeber Farm property. The site received approval for a residential project in January. The tax increment financing district currently covers 1,086 acres in north Schaumburg and would expand to 1,122 acres by adding three new areas, including the Loeber site.

Indoor mini-golf, trampoline park, more coming this year to Gurnee Mills

Indoor minigolf and a trampoline park are among new offerings opening this year at Gurnee Mills in Gurnee. Coming soon are AJ’s Putt 'N' Play, opening in March near Entry J; Mida K-Beauty, opening in April near Center Court; Sky Zone trampoline park, opening this summer near Entry J; and Ikea, opening this fall in the former Sears Grand location in Parking Lot B next to Hobby Lobby. They add to the roster of nearly 200 stores at the mall, including a variety of shops, restaurants, two dining pavilions and entertainment such as bowling, ice skating and a theater.

AbbVie to invest $380 million in North Chicago campus to make next generation medicines

Pharmaceutical giant AbbVie is planning a $380 million investment in two new manufacturing facilities at its campus in North Chicago. Construction is planned to start in spring on the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facilities, which will integrate advanced manufacturing technologies with artificial intelligence in production of the company's next generation neuroscience and obesity medications.