Mystery behind what's coming to vacant Des Plaines building revealed

The mystery behind what's coming to a long-vacant building in Des Plaines has been revealed.

Wolf Road Hot Dogs plans to open in April on the southeast corner of Wolf and Algonquin roads, where an ice cream stand once operated but closed some time ago. For months, a question mark in the window of the one-story concrete block building has piqued the curiosity of residents and drivers passing by. Improvements have been underway, including a 270-square-foot addition on the rear of the 760-square-foot building for restrooms and storage. This week, the city council approved a conditional use permit for a drive-through, paving the way for the hot dog stand to open this spring.

Because of the giant question mark in the window, there has been "excitement and anticipation for it to open," said Alderman Denise Rodd, who represents the city's 3rd Ward where the building is. The business will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sundays. Rodd suggested the owners consider opening on Sundays due to congregants coming from neighboring Trinity Lutheran Church. The business won't have indoor seating, but will have an outdoor patio.