Fan-Favorite Toy Store Opens | Massive Data Center Moving In | Vending Machine For Meds

This week in Illinois business news, a toy store with a cult following opens up in Chicago; a massive data center could take over 800 acres of farmland; and the nation's first-ever solar café.

Additionally, patients can now get their prescriptions from a vending machine at certain south side hospitals.

Check out this week's top headlines for Illinois business news on Patch:

• Popular Toy Company Opens Permanent Shop In Chicago
• Nation's First Solar Café To Open In North Shore
• Data Center Campus Includes 24 Proposed Buildings On 800 Acres Of Farmland: Patch Exclusive
• High-Tech Prescription Vending Machines Rolled Out At South Side Hospitals
• These 4 IL Restaurants 'Define Dining,' New Top 100 Ranking Says

The Bottom Line

• Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is considering legal action after actions from the Trump administration froze $2.1 million that would have been used for two major transit projects.
• Jewel-Osco will pay $1.95 million to a group of employees who claimed the grocer denied them reasonable accommodations for their disabilities.

Deal of the Week

Nation Taco Day is Oct. 7, and Taco Bell is offering $1 tacos to members of the chain's loyalty program.

More Restaurant News

The George Opens Doors To Diners In Downtown Naperville
The restaurant features modern American fare, fire pits and a lighted pergola in the space once occupied by Bev's.

'Not Just Meals, But Experiences:' The Fat Guy Sandwich Shop Now Open In Lisle
The shop, located at 4714 Main St., serves up an array of subs, paninis and salads.

New McDonald's Now Open In Woodridge
The McDonald's at 1335 75th St. met with resistance from some residents when it was first proposed.

Farm-To-Table Experience Supports The Legacy Ranch
The Legacy Ranch offers equine-assisted services to those in need.

Bonita Bowls Opens Lemont Location
The new business offers smoothie and poke bowls, wraps and other healthy offerings.

This IL Coffee Shop Is Among 100 Best In U.S., New List Says
Illinois has about 20 coffee shops per 100,000 residents, according to a 2024 analysis.

Curry Bistro Brings 'Authentic Taste Of Tradition-Rooted In Heritage' To Glenview
Serving the flavors of India and Nepali cuisine, the restaurant recently opened its doors on Harlem Avenue.

Elmhurst Fights To Stop Bars From Leaving
The city's liquor license fees are higher than those in comparable towns.

Started In Joliet: Kafe De Kasa Opens Another Location, This Time On Jefferson Street
Joliet Patch has produced a number of stories over the past five years about the growing success of Kafe De Kasa.

More Business News

Fall On Canal Returns Oct. 5 To Downtown Lemont
Featuring 60 vendors, the autumnal street market will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday

GreenDrop Opens Donation Center In Frankfort
Residents can donate gently-used items to GreenDrop's nonprofit partner, the American Red Cross.

Crystal Lake Father Wins Lottery Jackpot: 'This Is For Our Kids'
“First and foremost, this is for our kids — to give them every opportunity to thrive,” the local dad said following the $550,000 win.

Luxury Dog Boarding Facility Denied Village Approval
Village officials say they do not want the boarding facility in a shopping center due to the noise and potential odor.

These Chicago-Area Starbucks Stores Could Close This Weekend: Update
Is your favorite Starbucks store slated for closure? We've got a roundup of confirmed and potential closures for Chicago and the suburbs.

See When Tickets Go On Sale For Geneva Cocoa And Chocolate Crawl
It's almost time for the annual event, giving residents and visitors a good reason to indulge in multiple hot chocolate drinks in one day

Nail Salon Chain Coming To Burr Ridge
The business owns seven other locations in the Chicago area.

Business Leaving Village Center For New Place: Owner
It opened its 7,000-square-foot showroom seven years ago.

Aid For Struggling Darien Shopping Center On Table
The City Council plans to vote on setting up a special tax district.

Growing Fatal Listeria Outbreak Linked To IL Walmart, Trader Joe’s Products
Nineteen hospitalizations and four deaths have been linked to the nationwide outbreak that began mid-year.

Wilmette Passes 1% Grocery Tax
Wilmette becomes the most recent Chicagoland municipality to implement its own 1 percent grocery tax.