HoneyComb Looks To Open In Former Busy Bee Bakery Location

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A new speakeasy-style restaurant and bakery is hoping to open in the former Ingram's Busy Bee location at 5126 Main St. in Downers Grove.

In March, the village's liquor commissioned unanimously deemed HoneyComb qualified for a Class R-1 full liquor license.

According to village documents, HoneyComb would be a dual-concept restaurant with bakery service during the morning hours and a "cocktail-forward restaurant" in the evenings.

Proposed hours for the bakery end of the business 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant, which would be located in the back of the space, would be open from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.

Geared toward "adult clientele," the restaurant "will focus on creating an intimate, high-service 'destination location' with a relaxed atmosphere, small plates, and desserts."

To enhance the speakeasy vibes, the owners plan to have turntables in the restaurant area with light jazz, rock and Motown music playing.

During the March 5 meeting, Liquor Commissioner Yamili Saucedo compared the concept to locations in Chicago's Fulton Market District that seem to transport diners to a different place when they walk in.

HoneyComb's expected date of occupancy is May 1, which is when their lease is set to start.

The space was formerly set to be a speakeasy called Eleven 26.

Patch spoke with owner Suzie Positano in November 2024, but she did not provide an update on the status of the development. Building owner and Positano's business partner Douglas Sinars did not immediately reply to an email from Patch early Thursday morning.

Busy Bakery was put up for sale in 2021 after owner Chuck Kalousek died from COVID-19 complications at age 55. In the wake of Kalousek's death, his wife Katie said in a GoFundMe statement, "Ingram's Busy Bee Bakery has been operating for over 50 years and it would be my utmost wish to keep this legacy alive and running."

During the March 5 liquor commission meeting, HoneyComb's managing partner Todd Davies said it was important to his team to have a bakery and coffee shop onsite because "it has a very special place in their hearts and souls when it operated as the Busy Bee Bakery."