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I have more than 40 years in the news business and have successfully evolved into an electronic journalist. Comings & Goings and Southland Savvy track news about businesses in Chicago's Southland.

Texas Roadhouse to open latest location Monday in Countryside

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Louisville-based Texas Roadhouse will officially open at 4 p.m. Monday at 9960 Joliet Road in Countryside, but the steakhouse will play host to veterans and Special Olympians over the weekend as its works out the kinks for its cooks, meat cutters and other kitchen staff.

 “We have so many veterans in our family, including my wife,” said Eric Stewart, managing partner in a release. “We are passionate about giving back to the women and men who have served our country. We’re also proud to support Special Olympics here locally and can’t imagine a better way to celebrate our opening than by helping these two organizations that serve so many families across this community.”

In addition to rolling out the carpet for local organizations, the restaurant will donate food from this weekend's invitation-only events to Countryside police and firefighters.

The restaurant, which is bringing 200 new jobs to the area, will be open from 4-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, from 4-11 p.m. Friday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

The steakhouse chain, which started in 1993, has more than 395 locations in 48 states.

For more information, call 708-482-7870 or visit Texas Roadhouse.

Zombie Safari opens in Tinley Park

Zombies are back on the attack in Tinley Park at Odyssey Fun Farm at 19111 S. OK Park Ave., across the street from Odyssey Fun World arcade.

The Zombie Safari Hayride runs from 7-midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (no Sundays in September) after the much more kid friendly Fun Farm shuts down at 6 p.m.

For $20, you are driven into a 15-acre maze and then attacked by zombies. You fight back with paintball guns mounted on the sides of the hayride truck. You start out with 100 paintballs but can buy more ammo if you are particularly trigger happy.

“We have a lot of cool stuff going on at night this year,” said Clint Paraday, general manager of the arcade and Fun Farm, which offered the Zombie Safari for the first time last Halloween.

The safari lasts for about 15 minutes, Paraday said.

The Fun Farm has been offered for three years now and features a 15-acre pumpkin patch, 15-acre maze, corn cannon, zip line and a corn crib that holds upward of 15 tons of corn.

The Fun Farm will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sept. 28 to Oct. 27. General admission is $11 with additional costs for the zip line and pony rides. 

For information, visit Odyssey Fun Farm.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

You can also follow business happenings at Comings & Goings.

Halloween pop-up stores return

Yankee Bill's Costume Superstore opened recently at 159th Street and Harlem Avenue in Orland Park.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Pop-up Halloween shops have risen like zombies across the Southland to fill empty storefronts that help us celebrate the season of the witch in the style to which we have become accustomed.

One newcomer to the Halloween scene this year is a store that hails from the Northeast called Yankee Bill’s Costume Superstore at 15818 S. Harlem Ave. in the Home Depot Center in Orland Park. Hours there are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

One familiar face, Spirit Halloween, has the most shops in the south suburbs this year as the improving economy has claimed many of the storefronts that were used by these pop-up shops for Halloweens past.

Spirit, which carries an assortment of costumes, masks, fake blood and animatronic ghosts, witches and vampires, is already open at 5849 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn, 14726 S. Cicero Ave. in Mid-Oak Plaza in Midlothian, 15846 S. LaGrange Road in Lakeview Plaza in Orland Park, 19933 S. LaGrange Road in Hickory Creek Marketplace in Frankfort and 12700 Illinois 59 in Kensington Center in Plainfield. Hours for all of the stores is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

The retailer also has a smaller Gallery store that only carries costumes and accessories open at 16521 W. 159th St. in Lockport. An additional Gallery store is coming soon to 410 Nelson Road in the Nelson Plaza in New Lenox.

Halloween City has only one Southland location this year at 1 Orland Park Place at Orland Park Place mall in Orland Park.  Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Lyons Middle Eastern restaurant opening 2nd location

Falafelji, a Middle Eastern restaurant that opened less than a year ago at 3910 S. Harlem Ave. in Lyons, is preparing to open a second location at 13 S. LaGrange Road in LaGrange, in the former location of the Back Alley Burger.

Owner Bilal Beiram, who moved to the United States from Jordan 25 years ago, said the LaGrange location should be open by October. Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays. 

Falafelji features falafels, hummus, shawerma, kabobs, sandwiches and more. 

For information, call 708-447-4757 or visit their website at www.myfalafelji.com.

Jasmine Fashion opens in Palos Hills

Jasmine Fashion opened recently at 10418 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Hills in part of the space formerly used by Shefoun Fashion, which moved some months ago into a building at 11220 S. Harlem Ave. in Worth.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

You can also catch up on business news in other parts of the Southland at Comings & Goings.

Pompei reopens as Davino’s, no wait now it's Ralph's

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Pompei Little Italy was scheduled to reopen Thursday at the Riviera Country Club at 8801 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park as Davino’s, with a slightly tweaked menu and new hours.

But that was scrubbed at the last minute and the new name is now Ralph's Italian Eatery and Bar, in honor of its owner Ralph Davino.

The restaurant was closed for about a week to erect new signage and do some minor remodeling inside the restaurant.

“Pompei is going in a little different direction here in Orland Park,” said supervisor Kelly Voris. “(Ralph's) will be open from 4-10 p.m. and be closed Monday and Tuesday.

“We are expanding the menu a little from the Pompei menu,” she said. 

Voris said the Pompei on Taylor Street in Chicago is not undergoing any change and a new Pompei Little Italy will be opening soon in Westmont.

“We still have the same owners as before,” she said. 

Naf Naf Grill opens in Orland Park

Middle Eastern food is becoming more common in the Orland Park area and Naf Naf Grill is continuing that tradition.

The restaurant, which opened last week at 15110 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park, features shawarma (marinated chicken or beef slow roasted on a rotating spit), falafel (deep fried mix of chick peas, herbs and spices), hummus, baba ghanoush (similar to hummus but made with eggplant instead of chickpeas), chip-like french fries, pitas, salads, rice and fried chicken schnitzel, a German classic also common in Israel. 

Naf Naf gave away free food as part of a soft opening from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, said Chris Williams, general manager of the Orland Park location. The restaurant opened with a full menu and full hours on Tuesday.

“It’s always great to see the look on a customer’s face when they try to pay and we tell them the food is free,” he said, adding customer traffic on Monday was “awesome.”

Naf Naf Grill was first opened in Naperville by Sahar Sander and Elan Burger in 2009. David Sloan and Justin Halpenny soon partnered up and they began to open up more locations in the western suburbs. 

The Orland Park location is the seventh Naf Naf Grill, with a couple of more in the planning stages.
The hours starting Tuesday will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

For information, call the restaurant at 708-226-0101 or visit their website at http://www.nafnafgrill.com.

 Bonefish Grill to open Monday

Florida-based seafood restaurant Bonefish Grill, 15537 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park, opens to the public on Monday.

The eatery had a benefit party Saturday with Together We Cope to benefit the organization that assists south suburban families in crisis.

“Being active participants in the Orland Park community is very important to us,” Nick Kapellas, managing partner of the new Bonefish Grill location, said in a release. “Our partnership with Together We Cope is a first step toward building a foundation of goodwill and fostering local relationships, which we hope to continue long after we open our doors.” 

Bonefish Grill specialties include Ahi Tuna Sashimi, PEI Mussels Josephine and “American Style” Kobe Beef Burgers, and the house specialty Bang Bang Shrimp. 

“We are thrilled that Bonefish Grill chose to partner with our organization,” Kathryn Staniero, Executive Director of Together We Cope, said in the release. 

The Orland Park restaurant features a spacious dining room with a bar area, community tables and music. The interior’s sleek design has golden hardwood and hand-blown glass amber lamps throughout the restaurant.  Throughout the interior there is an attractive array of three-dimensional art, ranging from large-scale metal sculptures of mangroves and fishing scenes to a large mystical fish rubbing.

Hours are 4-10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 3-11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.  There also is a brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday featuring favorite breakfast dishes like omelets, French toast served with freshly whipped cream, and chocolate croissants. 

For information, call 708-873-5170 or visit www.bonefishgrill.com.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.




Bethania Cemetery guest stars in new TV series on Investigation Discovery

Kurtis Productions film a segment for a new Investigation Discovery series at Bethania Cemetery in Justice.
By Bob Bong
Desplaines Valley News

Bethania Cemetery, which was founded in 1894 at 7701 S. Archer Ave. in Justice, will make its television debut next week on Investigation Discovery, a Discovery channel spinoff known as ID that features documentary-style programming mostly dealing with true crime subjects.

The cemetery was standing in for a Florida graveyard in a segment produced by longtime Chicago newsman Bill Kurtis, who has made a second career out of true crime re-enactments for such shows as "Investigative Reports," "American Justice" and "Cold Case Files."

The cemetery is the setting for an episode of a new ID series that debuted Sept. 5 called "Double Crossed."

The segment filmed by Kurtis Productions stems from a Florida case in which police trick a woman into confessing that she murdered her first husband by hiding microphones in flowers that surrounded his grave, said cemetery Supt. Randy Leise.

"They had microphones hidden in the flowers and they got her confessing to the murder when she visited the grave," said Leise. "She something like you got what you deserved and they were able to convict her of the murder."

"(Kurtis) does a lot of filming in the Chicago area and liked the look of Bethania," said Leise. "They had 1980s cars in the scenes and clothes."

He said Kurtis also filmed part of the segment in the interrogation room at the  nearby Summit police station.

A spokeswoman for Kurtis Productions said the cemetery was selected because the company was doing a lot of filming in the area for the segment.

The episode of "Double Crossed" is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. Sept. 19 on Investigation Discovery, which is channel 260 on U-Verse, channel 271 on Comcast, channel 285 on DirecTV and 192 on Dish.

Pioneer past comes alive at I&M Canal fur trade era re-enactment

Andy "Story Teller" Talley entertains the crowd with a tall tale.
By Bob Bong
Desplaines Valley News

A River Thru History, which took place in Willow Springs last weekend, recreated the history of the Des Plaines Valley during the fur trade era before Chicago became a city.

"This is one of the best annual events along the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, as it captures that magical combination of history and entertainment so well," said Bob Navarro, President/CEO of the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"The past comes alive around you in a combination of history, storytelling, music, food and festivities," he said.

Visitors to Columbia Woods in Willow Springs were able to meet fur traders, craftsman, pioneer musicians and entertainers as they gathered along the banks of the Des Plaines River. There were craft demonstrations, a children’s trading post, live animals, storytelling, Native American games, music by Blue Celtic Grass and a skillet toss.

Food vendors served a variety of food similar to what was eaten during the fur trade era including kettle corn, wild rice stew and root beer.

Photos for Desplaines Valley News by Steve Neuhaus

A re-enactor shows some young guests how pottery was made in pioneer days.


Colonial soldiers march through Columbia Park in Willow Springs.

Week 3 High School Football Previews

Argo receiver Drake Walker is tended to
after hurting his knee in action against Ridgewood.
By Phil Arvia
Desplaines Valley News

ARGO (2-0) vs. REAVIS (1-1)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Reavis High School, 6034 W. 77th St., Burban
THE SCOOP: The Argonauts have 99 points in two games, including 69 in last week's 69-40 shootout with Ridgewood, in which Jason Noel passed for 326 yards and five touchdowns. Reavis can score, too, bouncing back from a 44-16 Week 1 loss to St. Laurence to crush Joliet Central 52-7 on Saturday.

FENWICK (2-0) vs. BROTHER RICE (1-1)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Brother Rice High School, 10001 Pulaski Rd., Chicago
The Crusaders have been a Jeckyll and Hyde act, winning their opener 42-0 then falling at Marist by a 55-14 count. They'd better hope to catch Fenwick recovering from its Saturday road trip to Dallas, where the Friars beat fellow Dominican-founded school Bishop Lynch 32-14. Fenwick won the last time these teams met, in 2010.

OAK LAWN (1-1) vs. EVERGREEN PARK (2-0)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Evergreen Park High School, 9901 S. Kedzie, Evergreen Park
THE SCOOP: The Mustangs survived four interceptions to beat Phillips in Week 2, as Jacquet McClendon caught a 15-yard touchdown pass with 37 seconds to play in a 35-32 win. McClendon finished with 10 catches for 92 yards. Oak Lawn, after dumping Kenwood 42-19 in its opener, fell to Stagg 36-14 in Week 2.

LYONS (0-2) vs. LEYDEN (0-2)
WHEN: 7:30 Friday
WHERE: Leyden High School, 3400 Rose St., Franklin Park
If it's shocking that Lyons is 0-2, it has to be more shocking how the Lions got there from 0-1. Hosting Willowbrook on Friday, Lyons lost 62-49, as Willowbrook's quarterback, Brian Johnson, threw for 660 yards and seven touchdowns. The Lions have given up 104 points in two games. Leyden is coming off a 38-3 loss to Oak Park-River Forest.

NAZARETH ACADEMY (2-0) vs. MARIST (1-1)
WHEN: 7:30 Friday
WHERE: Marist High School, 4200 W. 115th St., Chicago
THE SCOOP: The RedHawks' offense was firing on all cylinders in a 55-14 demolition of Brother Rice in Week 2. Jack Donegan completed 21 of 25 passes for 338 yards and six touchdowns, three each to Flynn Nagel and Nic Weishar. In its East Suburban Catholic opener, Marist gets unbeaten Nazareth, which clubbed Julian 51-0 Saturday after beating Proviso East 35-12 in its opener.


ST. LAURENCE (2-0) vs. ST. RITA (2-0)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western, Chicago
THE SCOOP: St. Laurence hasn't been tested yet, posting easy wins over Reavis and Gordon Tech. In the latter, a 36-12 triumph, Frank Miller ran for 131 yards on 19 carries, and Bob Kelly threw for 109 yards and two touchdowns. St. Rita backed up an impressive opening win over Marist by crushing Danville 42-7 in Week 2. Mustangs quarterback Tommy Mister ran for 118 yards and two scores, and added a 39-yard touchdown pass, all in the first half.

SHEPARD (0-2) vs. EISENHOWER (2-0)
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Eisenhower High School, 127th Street & Saramento, Blue Island
The Astros have struggled, losing two games by a combined 91-3 count. In Week 2, they fell at Marian 49-3. Now comes a South Suburban Red opener against surprising Eisenhower, which stunned a talented Rich East squad in Week 1 and followed that with a 45-21 win over Urban Prep.

STAGG (2-0) vs. LINCOLN-WAY EAST (2-0)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Lincoln-Way East High School, 201 Colorado Ave., Frankfort
THE SCOOP: The Chargers have already matched last season's win total by beating Hillcrest 28-14 in their opener, and Oak Lawn 36-14 last week. Lincoln-Way East, a playoff perennial which played for a state title last year, will be by far their stiffest test to date.

Countryside shoots down Halloween store

New restaurant coming: A new Middle Eastern restaurant is under construction at the corner of 84th Street and Harlem Avenue in Bridgeview.
By Bob Bong
Desplaines Valley News

Halloween stores are popping up across the Southland, but you won't find one in Countryside.

Officials in Countryside voted in August to reject plans to open a Spirit Halloween store at 9930 W. 55th St. Aldermen don't hate the idea of people decorating their homes with spider webs and ghouls, but they were not impressed with plans by the retailer to open a seasonal store at that location.

The retailer pulled out all the stops in an effort to win approval even going as far as promising to have police help direct traffic on the weekends.

Bears savings at Jewel

Bears fans take note, if you wear your Bears jersey on game day to a Jewel-Osco store you will get 10 percent off of your grocery bill. The savings will come off after you use any other coupons and, of course, does not apply to prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco and other exclusions.

Harley-Davidson sneak peek

Illinois Harley-Davidson at 9950 S. Joliet Road in Countryside will be offering sneak peeks of the 2014 Harleys from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, at the dealership. Besides the newest Harleys, guests will be able to partake of free beer, free pizza and burlesque dancers.

Failla Realty back in Brookfield

Ross J. Failla, managing broker of Failla Realty Inc. Realtors, wants everyone to know that the 33-year-old realty firm has moved back into their original location at 9140 Broadway in Brookfield. 

"We are happy and proud to be back in our original location," he said. They moved back as of Sept. 1.

Failla said the company will keep a small satellite office in North Riverside, but their full service 
office is back at the Brookfield location.

Their phone number remains the same at 708-485-6606.

Moraine Valley to host fall Job and Internship Fair 
 
Students, alumni and community members who are looking for hourly or salary jobs or paid or nonpaid internships can network with quality employers that have job openings at Moraine Valley Community College’s free fall Job and Internship Fair from 2-5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, from in the Moraine Business and Conference Center, on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. 

Professional business attire and resumés are required for entry. Registration is not required. A complete list of companies expected to attend the fair and additional information can be found at morainevalley.edu/jrc/fair or by calling the Job Resource Center at 708-974-5737.

Countryside Rotary to hold golf outing

The Rotary Club of Countryside will hold its 15th annual Scholarship Golf Outing on Sept. 30 at the Flagg Creek Golf Course. 

Proceeds of the event support the Bill Hughs Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Cost is $65 per person or $250 for a foursome, which includes nine holes of golf (cart not included), two beverages and buffet dinner. There will be door prize drawings, long drive contest, closest to the pin and a silent auction.

Nongolfers join sign up for the dinner buffet for $25.

The outing starts with a shotgun start at 2:30 p.m.

For tickets and information, call Olivia Garcia at 847-268-8600.

Indian Head Park woman conned

Desplaines Valley News

An elderly Indian Head Park resident was the victim of a phone scam and was conned out of $990 last month.

Police said the woman, who lives in the 100 block of Acacia, reported that someone claiming to work for Citibank called her on Aug. 13, and said her inactive account was past due.

The victim said she was told she could bring the account current by buying $990 worth of reloadable credit cards. She said she purchased the cards at the Jewel Food store in Countryside. 

The con artist then asked her to read the numbers on the back of the card over the phone.

When the con artist called again asking for more money, the woman became suspicious and called police.

Police said by the time they became involved, the credit cards already had been used to buy gift cards, and the two telephone numbers provided by the con artist were disconnected.

Bridgeview police to purchase two new Ford Interceptors

By Jessie Martin
Desplaines Valley News

The Bridgeview Police Department recently was given approval to purchase two vehicles to replace two older vehicles in their fleet that are high mileage and require increasing maintenance.

The new vehicles, which will be 2014 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD vehicles, were chosen after review by Bridgeview Police Chief Russell Harvey. 

Trustee Norma Pinion, who chairs the village board's Police and Ordinance Enforcement Committee, was a strong proponent of approving the measure. 

“The purchase of these two vehicles ensures that our police force has the necessary tools to keep our residents safe and respond to emergencies in a timely fashion," she said. "The vehicles will have lower maintenance costs and improved fuel mileage, saving us money over the course of using them.”

Argo starts season with 2nd straight win

Argonauts defenders Hector Vazquez (No. 5) and Jerra Schaffer (No. 55) get ready to rush the Ridgewood quarterback during Argo's big 69-40 win Friday night in Summit.

Argonauts receiver Drake Walker gets his knee checked during Friday night's game against Ridgewood. Walker left the field under his own power as the Argonauts overwhelmed Ridgewood 69-40.

Pompom squad members cheer the Argonauts on to victory in Friday night's match versus Ridgewood in Summit.
Photos for Desplaines Valley News by Steve Neuhaus

Chicago drops plan to privatize Midway

Dan Lipinski
By Bob Bong
Desplaines Valley News

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who put out the welcome mat in January for companies interested in taking over Midway Airport, dropped the effort last week after one of the two finalists withdrew its bid.

The city had renewed the privatization effort in January as a way of generating badly needed money for city coffers. The first attempt that would have brought in $2.5 billion for a 99-year lease fell apart in 2009 when the credit crunch hit.

Chicago would have been the biggest American city to private an airport, if the deal had gone through.

Back in January, Ald. Michael Zalewski (23rd), whose ward includes the airport, said that because of the airport's economic importance to the Southwest Side and nearby suburbs and the way the controversial parking meter deal turned out the Midway privatization process would be lengthy and transparent.

“We want this to be the opposite of the parking meter deal,” Zalewski said. “That was rushed through the council and has turned out to be a disaster.”

“Nothing is going to happen fast,” he said. “We want to make sure any deal is worthwhile for the city and we want the process to be as transparent as possible for the press and the public.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd), whose district includes the airport, was happy with the decision.

"I applaud Mayor Emanuel for halting the privatization attempt at this point," Lipinski said.  

“Once on the brink of closing, Midway has become one of world’s finest airports, playing a vital role in national air travel as well as serving as an economic engine for the Southwest Side of Chicago and surrounding communities. As the congressman representing the airport and someone who grew up less than a mile from it, I have had my reservations about any plan that could adversely impact Midway’s operations and nearby neighborhoods and communities. 

"I have shared the concerns of many Midway neighbors, employees, and travelers who feared that privatizing the airport could have negative consequences, such as increased noise in the neighborhoods, higher parking and concession fees, and the potential loss of jobs for workers who rely on the airport to support their families. The mayor said that this privatization plan would have included protections for the neighborhood and the flying public. If there is going to be another attempt to privatize Midway in the future, I will insist that such protections are written into any agreement.   

“Midway Airport is a well-run facility that serves the neighborhood, the region, and almost 10 million passengers a year. Whether it is bringing home $30 million to add safety devices to the runways, fighting to prevent overnight tower closures, or working for more soundproofing in the surrounding communities, I will continue to work to make Midway even better for everyone,” Lipinski said.

Emanuel spokeswoman Sarah Hamilton said one group vying for the deal dropped out and the mayor decided not to proceed.

The company that remained in the running for Midway reportedly was the Great Lakes Airport Alliance — a partnership of Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets and Ferrovial — while the one that backed out of the bidding was Industry Funds Management and Manchester Airports Group.

Bridgeview man charged after crash closes roadside safety check prematurely

By Bob Bong
Desplaines Valley News

A roadside safety check set up by Chicago Ridge police on Aug. 31 in the 10500 block of South Harlem Avenue was called off after only 30 minutes after a Bridgeview man allegedly crashed into the flashing arrow telling motorists where to pull over.

Chicago Ridge police said they were conducting a four-hour safety check and had two motorists stopped when they heard a loud crash and saw that a red Dodge pickup truck had smashed into the flashing arrow sign directing traffic into the checkpoint area.

Police said the truck continued at a slower speed toward the officers but that the driver ignored orders to stop.

Police said one of the officers was able to open the truck's door and stop the vehicle by putting it into park.

Police said the driver, who appeared to be drunk, then asked, "What's going on?"

The driver, later identified as Lawrence Maderak, 67, of the 7400 block of West 80th Street in Bridgeview, was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn for treatment of minor injuries and while there refused to submit to a blood test, police said.

After he was released from the hospital, Maderak was arrested and charged with drunken driving, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving without proof of insurance and disobeying a traffic signal, police said.

Maderak posted bond and was released. His court date is Oct. 10 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.

Police said the sign was a total loss and estimated damage at about $8,000.

Hodgkins expands park district center

Hodgkins Park District Executive Director Kelly Young talks with guests at the July 29 groundbreaking for a $3.3 million expansion.
From staff reports
Desplaines Valley News

Work is underway on a long-awaited expansion and face-lift at the Hodgkins Park District building at Hodgkins Park, 8997 Lyons St.

Plans for the work first began in 2007 under then-park Executive Director Ron Kubicki and finally came to fruition earlier this summer when a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the end of July.

New Executive Director Kelly Young said the $3.3 million project will be paid for in large part by a $2.75 million Park and Recreation Facility Construction reimbursement grant from the state.
She said the project was the culmination of years of hard work by her and Kubicki and the park district board.

The project will see the renovation of the older portion of the building (constructed in 1958), the addition of an indoor playground at the east end of the building, and an expansion of the fitness center. Also added will be a new locker room, new bathroom facilities, a nutritional classroom (learning kitchen), a new multipurpose room (to include a fitness studio and a regulation volleyball court), a senior center, an expanded preschool room with controlled access, and an expanded and more functional lobby area. 

In addition to these specific improvements, the building will be getting an overall “face-lift” to the exterior.

At the groundbreaking ceremony on July 29, Young addressed a crowd of village residents and community leaders, expressing her joy at the culmination of so much work over many years.
“I can’t believe we’re finally here,” Young said. 

Also in attendance at the ceremony were representatives of the construction management firm, Sigalos and Associates, and of the architectural firm, Studio GC. 

Young expressed glowing praise for these two companies, and an excitement to see their work come to life.

“We threw any and every idea we ever had for this building at them. And we aren’t sure how they did it, but, even dealing with our craziness, they designed the most beautiful and functional building we could have ever imagined. I couldn’t have asked for a better team,” she said.

The PARC Grant is provided through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It provides 75 percent of funding for construction on public parks and recreational facilities through reimbursement, with the municipality typically covering the remaining 25 percent.

Construction is set to be completed by next June.

Sweet Frog hops into Frankfort

Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt opened last week at 9645 Lincoln-Way Lane in Frankfort.
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The frozen yogurt craze has reached Frankfort. Texas-based Red Mango opened a shop on U.S. 30 earlier this summer and now Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt has opened a shop at 9645 Lincoln-Way Lane in the Crown Centre plaza.

Sweet Frog is like most other fro-yo stores in that it offers dozens of flavors of frozen yogurt along with dozens of toppings and sprinkles. It does feature two mascots, Scoop and Cookie, who are lime green and hot pink frogs.

Owners are John and Liz Sciaccotta, who live in neighboring Mokena.

Sweet Frog carries more than 70 flavors of frozen yogurt and features 14 specialty flavors such as thin mint and cotton candy. It also has fat-free, sugar-free, gluten-free and kosher varieties. The shop opened last week, just in time for the Frankfort Fall Festival.

Frankfort is the first location in Illinois for the Richmond, Va.-based chain that was founded in 2009 and has grown to 260 stores in 23 states as well as the United Kingdom and Domenican Republic.

Hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and noon to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
For information, call 815-277-2269.

Orland convenience store opens and closes

Stop and Shop Fresh Market opened earlier this summer and has already closed at 17849 S. Wolf Road in Orland Park. The store opened in May and closed a few weeks ago. It was the latest attempt to operate a store in that location. Previous incarnations included a White Hen Pantry and a Frangella Italian Imports deli.

Mariano's to anchor Evergreen Promenade

Mariano's, which opened a popular supermarket in Frankfort earlier this summer and has broken ground on a new location in Oak Lawn, last week agreed to open a 75,000-square-foot supermarket as the anchor for the new Evergreen Promenade shopping center in Evergreen Park.

The Evergreen Promenade is a planned 92,500-square-foot plaza on a seven-acre site at 2601 W. 95th St. It will be a joint venture among Inland Real Estate Corp., Dutch pension fund advisor PGGM, IBT Group LLC and Pine Tree Commercial Realty.

Mariano's is owned by Milwaukee-based Roundy's Inc., which has been aggressively adding locations in the Chicago marketplace.

Including the lease signed with Mariano's, Evergreen Promenade is already over 80 percent pre-leased, with another 15 percent of the space currently in negotiation with other national retailers.

Construction is expected to begin this fall and Mariano's estimates it will open in the fall of 2014. Upon completion, the joint venture with PGGM will have the option to acquire 100 percent ownership in the shopping center.
Zoo City Treats opens in Brookfield

A new sweet shop that carries ice cream, Hawaiian shaved ice and gourmet popcorn opened a couple of weeks ago in Brookfield.

Zoo City Treats held its grand opening Sunday at 3748 Grand Blvd. in downtown Brookfield.

Longtime village business owner Fred Tyler, who has owned a variety of businesses in town, opened the shop on Aug. 15.

The store is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For information, call 708-255-5481 or visit their Facebook page.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.


You can also catch up on business openings at Comings & Goings.