Marc Alan Salon opens in Mokena

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy



Marc Alan Salon opened last week in Mokena.

 Marc Alan Salon and Day Spa finally opened last week at 19070 S. Everett Blvd. in Mokena. The spa had originally hoped to be open by the end of last year.

It is the second location for Marc Alan, which has its original location in Flossmoor. The new location offers the same services as the original. including hair care, nails, skin care, body care and full days at the Spa.

Hours for the Mokena location are Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday from noon to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The phone number is 708-478-0772 and their web site is http://www.marcalandayspa.com/.

Southie's Subs opens in CrestwoodA sandwich shop that claims it has the only authentic South Philly cheesesteak sandwich in Chicago opened earlier this month at 13215 S. Cicero Crestwood. Southie's Subs is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and delivers. The phone number is 708-396-9920.

For more information and to view its menu, visit its web site at http://www.southiessubs.com/ or their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southies-Subs/162562007112319.

Dina's Cuts opens in PalosA fourth Dina's Great Cuts opened recently at 12764 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights. The phone number is 708-361-7995. The shop is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

Dollar store opens in South Holland

Top Dollar Deals opened last month in South Holland.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Top Dollar Deals opened in South Holland on Dec. 4 at 1010 E. 162nd St. in the Pacesetter Plaza.

Owner LeRoy Nicki Sykes says “about 85 percent of our merchandise is $1 or less but we have some items that are a little more expensive.”

Sykes said she chose South Holland because of the location and need.

“I saw a wide open market where there was a need for this kind of store,” she says.

The response, she says, has been good.
"It’s been going so well I’m in the process of hiring another employee,” says Sykes, who opened with one employee besides herself.

Before opening the 3,000-square-foot store, Sykes worked for nine years for AT&T. Now, she’s a full-time business owner.

Top Dollar Deals is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and she just added Sunday hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call Top Dollar Deals at 708-331-8772.

Walgreens grand opening
Walgreens held a grand opening last week for its new store at 111th Street and Kedzie in Chicago's Mount Greenwood community, which opened for business several weeks ago. The new store replaces an existing store but is larger and features a drive-through pharmacy. The Walgreens is part of a development project that also calls for a Dunkin Donuts in a renovated building at the intersection.

Best One now open
The Best One massage and nail spa opened recently at 16902 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. The spa is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The phone number is 708-532-3103.

Bistro now open
Carmen's Jazz Bistro opened a few weeks ago at 7210 W. College Drive in Palos Heights.Carmine's features French and international cuisine, cocktails and wine along with live jazz. The bistro is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30-11 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Their phone number is 708-361-JAZZ. They also have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/carmensjazzbistro.

Outlet store closing
Furniture Manufactures Outlet store at Weber and Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill is holding a going out of business sale. The store is open Thursday to Tuesday. For more information, call 815-725-1165 or visit http://www.furnituremanoutlet.com/.

New Orland resale store holds grand opening Saturday

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Furniture Thrift Warehouse, a non-profit resale shop operated by Calvary Charities, is holding its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 9622 W. 147th St. in Orland Park.

As part of its celebration, the store is giving away a 36-inch Sony tube television and an Edison Victrola, said store manager Ken Fedynich. Broadcasters from Shine FM (89.7) at Olivet Nazarene University will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The store features used furniture in great condition for great prices. Items include couches, dining and kitchen sets, bedroom furniture, televisions and more.

The store also accepts donations. Proceeds from the sales go to help the homeless, unemployed and addicted.

For more information, call 708-949-8133 or visit http://www.furinturethrift.webs.com/.

Fatburger bows outThe Fatburger gourmet hamburger store at 15110 S. La Grange Road in Orland Park is shutting down as of the close of business today. It opened two years ago and is owned by rapper Kanye West.

A second store owned by West will remain open at 95th Street and Western Avenue in Chicago’s Beverly community.

Catch Bears on really big screenHoliday Star Theater at 340 Main St. in Park Forest is showing Sunday’s Bears-Packers game on its screen for free at 2 p.m.

NuMark Credit Union opens in TinleyJoliet-based NuMark Credit Union has opened its newest branch at 80th Avenue and 159th Street in Tinley Park.

Branch manager is Alex Nowak. The office and drive-through are open Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call 708-429-8590 or visit their Web site at http://www.numarkcu.org/.

Al-Nour Supermarket opens in Orland HillsAnother grocery store that specializes in Middle Eastern foods has opened at 16213 S. 94th Avenue in Orland Hills. Al-Nour Supermarket is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The phone number is 708-873-1966.

Diana’s Kitchen opens in Tinley Park

Diana Petrauskis stands in her new restaurant Diana's Kitchen in Tinley Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Diana Petrauskis knows the history of restaurants at 16707 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. A long line of them have tried and failed to make it since popular hot dog stand Just Joe’s was forced out after the site was torn down and rebuilt more than a decade ago.

“I’m not going to let the past disturb me,” the Tinley Park resident said last week. “I think if you have a good product people will come back. This is a great location. I don’t know what happened to those other restaurants.

“We’ve been open only since (Jan. 10) and already we have repeat customers,” she said pointing out two customers who were already so familiar she was calling them by name.

Petrauskis said last week was a soft opening to work out the kinks, which included the untimely need to replace her cook only four days into being open.

“Thank God it happened now and not after we had been open for a while and I really needed him,” she said.
Diana’s Kitchen is her first business venture but she’s no stranger to cooking.

“I’m used to cooking for large crowds,” she said while whizzing around the kitchen knocking out orders for hot dogs, Italian sausage and meatball combos. “Of course, my husband won’t be getting a home-cooked meal anytime soon.”

As for her menu, it’s basic fare including burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, soups, chili and appetizers.
“My chili and marinara sauce are homemade,” she said. “And my soups are made from scratch. I might add some items as we go along. I’m willing to try anything.”

Starting a business is hard work and she’s ready.

“I’m full time invested in this,” she said adding family members will play a pivotal role in the business. One she is counting on is her mother.

“Thank God for ma,” she said indicating her mom, who was taking orders and restocking napkins in the small dining room with seating for about 20.

“Response has been good,” she said. “We’re averaging 40-50 people a day and we haven’t even advertised that we’re open yet.

“The people of Tinley Park have been great. I’m almost shocked customers have been so nice. I hope they come back. I’m trying to make this a place where people can come, chitchat and enjoy good food.”

Diana’s Kitchen winter hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The phone number is 708-532-9034.

Nielsen's Bakery closes in Homewood



Photo courtesy of Homewood-Flossmoor Patch



By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Nielsen’s Bakery closed last week at 2053 Ridge Road in Homewood, a victim of the economy and a broken oven. A sign on the door says the Ehlebracht family, who have owned and operated the bakery for the past 21 years, will try to find new owners that may reopen the bakery.

Palos Liquors now open
Palos Liquors opened recently at 12902 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park in the former Urbas European Bakery and Deli. Ashok Patel is the owner. The store is open from 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The phone number is 708-671-1736.

Mexican drive-through opens
Taqueria El Ranchito Express opened recently at 10348 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Hills as a drive-through only restaurant. The restaurant is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The phone number is 708-599-0400.

5 Guys opens in Chicago Ridge

The 5 Guys Burgers and Fries gourmet hamburger joint opened last month at 9620 S. Ridgeland Ave. inside the Chicago Ridge Mall. Its phone number is 708-346-0380. Check out their menu at http://www.fiveguys.com/.

Firestone grand opening in Homer Glen

The Firestone Complete Auto Care center at 14018 S. Bell Road in Homer Glen will hold its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Friday. There will be giveaways for adults and entertainment for children all day Friday and Saturday.

Ditka to appear at Charley Horse

Former Bears head coach Mike Ditka will be signing bottles of his signature wine Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the New Lenox Charley Horse restaurant at 901 Lincoln Highway to benefit the Lincoln-Way Foundation. Bottles will be sold for a $30 or $50 donation. Anyone who makes a donation will get a $10 gift certificate good at any of the Charley Horse locations or 94West.