New Contractor, Tavern Makeover, Library Cafe Highlight Glenview Business News

GLENVIEW, IL — A new general contractor, a longtime restaurant's makeover and a coffee partnership inside the Glenview Public Library are among the latest business developments around Glenview.

The Glenview Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Handy Mania Glenview LLC to the community while also celebrating renovations at Lake Avenue Tavern and Glenview Public Library.

Here's a look at what’s new:

Handy Mania Opens In Glenview

Handy Mania Glenview LLC is operating at 2111 Chestnut Ave., Suite 245, offering remodeling, repair and home-improvement services to homeowners and businesses.

The company's services include general contracting, bathroom remodeling, HVAC repair and service, carpentry, preventative maintenance, painting and drywall work, and window repair and installation, according to the Glenview Chamber.

Glenview Public Library Adds Coffee, Food To Lobby

Patrons at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, now have another option for grabbing coffee or a snack without leaving the building.

The library's renovated lobby includes a self-service vending cafe created in partnership with Glenview Grind, the downtown coffee shop at 1837 Glenview Road.

The cafe offers hot and cold coffee drinks along with vending options for fresh food and snacks. The lobby also received new furniture as part of a broader series of improvements at the library.

According to the library, the project grew out of a 2023 review of how patrons use the building and a 2024 community survey, which identified a better lobby cafe, an updated children's area and additional study rooms as priorities. Seven new study rooms for one or two people were completed this summer.

Funding for the improvements came from library capital reserves, fundraising by the Glenview Public Library Foundation and approximately $70,000 from the Illinois Public Library Construction Grant Program.

The library previously estimated the overall improvement project at about $1.76 million.

The Glenview Grind partnership also has a local connection beyond the new cafe. The independent, family-owned business opened in the village in 2013.

Johnny's Kitchen & Tap Becomes Lake Avenue Tavern

A familiar restaurant at 1740 Milwaukee Ave. has a new name and look. Lake Avenue Tavern is the newly renovated successor to Johnny's Kitchen & Tap.

The ownership and location remain the same, according to the restaurant, but the business has been refreshed as a neighborhood tavern focused on food, beer and sports.

The Glenview Chamber held a networking event there Sept. 2, describing the space as newly renovated and highlighting its updated atmosphere.

The restaurant’s website says Lake Avenue Tavern opens daily at 11 a.m., with its kitchen operating until midnight. The bar stays open later, including until 2 a.m. Saturday