By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Cathy Shea and Vicky Earley (pictured from left) are not your typical Avon representatives.
Oh, they carry the usual Avon products such as soap and perfume, but these two ladies don't sell door-to-door or through parties at your neighbor's house. Shea and Earley are co-owners of an Avon store that is open to the public.
The partners opened their Avon retail outlet on Monday at 7212 W. Benton Drive in Frankfort Square (at the corner of Benton Drive and Harlem Avenue).
Their business is also a licensed Avon beauty center, which means they can train women, and men, to be Avon representatives. "We offer classes that help people get started in the business," says Earley, of Mokena.
"We lead a team of about 200 representatives," says Earley, who has been selling Avon for 10 years. "I like this so much it's my full-time job."
Shea, of Monee, has been selling Avon for about three years. She got started after approaching Earley at a demonstration.
Neither woman thinks this is a bad time to be starting a retail operation.
"Avon has been around 124 years," says Earley. "It survived the Great Depression. I think it will survive the current economy.
"Besides, women still want to wear their lipstick and makeup, and we have that at great prices."
As for men selling Avon?
"We have a lot of husband-wife teams," says Earley. "It's a great job for a couple."
Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information on becoming a representative or to buy Avon products, call 815-464-0352.
Earley and Shea said customers will get 10 percent off of their first purchase, if they mention they read about the new store in Comings & Goings, which makes them the deal of the week. Just tell them, Bob sent me.
About Me
- Bob Bong
- 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.
Cam Golf in Lansing to close
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Lansing's Cam Golf, which has been outfitting Southland duffers since 1972, is in the midst of a going-out-of-business sale at 17851 S. Torrence Ave.
Manager Kitty Mishevich said the sale started right after Thanksgiving and a lot of merchandise has already been sold. "By the looks of what's left," she said, "I think we'll be here through mid-January."
Mishevich said everything is marked 20 percent off but the owners will negotiate with anybody for anything in the store. "We might come down 40 percent on some items," she said.
Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
Owners Wayne Schaap and Paul Sutkowski bought the store from its original owners in 1991.
A second location in Orland Park closed several years ago.
For more information, call 708-895-2030.
Cam is the second golf store to close in Lansing this year. R&R Discount closed its Ridge Road location at the end of the summer.
Bob and Jack's closed
East Side eatery Bob and Jack's Pizza has closed at 10244 S. Ewing Ave. in Chicago, though the location in Dyer, Ind., is still open at 1933 Hart Street.
Dozeli Pizza vacates Frankfort
Dozeli Pizzeria, which opened a few months ago at 7818 W. Lincoln Highway behind All-Star Sports Bar in Frankfort, has already pulled the plug. The Steger location is still open. A new pizza joint, called Luigi's is going to take over the operation but an employee at All-Star said she didn't know when that would happen.
Southland Savvy
Lansing's Cam Golf, which has been outfitting Southland duffers since 1972, is in the midst of a going-out-of-business sale at 17851 S. Torrence Ave.
Manager Kitty Mishevich said the sale started right after Thanksgiving and a lot of merchandise has already been sold. "By the looks of what's left," she said, "I think we'll be here through mid-January."
Mishevich said everything is marked 20 percent off but the owners will negotiate with anybody for anything in the store. "We might come down 40 percent on some items," she said.
Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
Owners Wayne Schaap and Paul Sutkowski bought the store from its original owners in 1991.
A second location in Orland Park closed several years ago.
For more information, call 708-895-2030.
Cam is the second golf store to close in Lansing this year. R&R Discount closed its Ridge Road location at the end of the summer.
Bob and Jack's closed
East Side eatery Bob and Jack's Pizza has closed at 10244 S. Ewing Ave. in Chicago, though the location in Dyer, Ind., is still open at 1933 Hart Street.
Dozeli Pizza vacates Frankfort
Dozeli Pizzeria, which opened a few months ago at 7818 W. Lincoln Highway behind All-Star Sports Bar in Frankfort, has already pulled the plug. The Steger location is still open. A new pizza joint, called Luigi's is going to take over the operation but an employee at All-Star said she didn't know when that would happen.
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Through MarketSavvy, you can tell your story directly to our readers. Want to announce special deals or new products? Do you want to introduce people to a new face in your business, someone they should get to know? Do you want to tell your story within the context of a credible news environment?
Through 100 and 200-word customized messages, you can deliver your words, your way. We'll help you put the marketing message together and we'll burst it out to all of our readers, including our e-mail subscribers. Every person who views SouthlandSavvy through an RSS reader will see your message, too.
MarketSavvy represents a new model for delivering your message to your customers. Through MarketSavvy, you can offer your unfiltered view. And the more you want to say, the better our rates get. Your message is always clearly labeled as a message from your business, too.
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Jenny McCarthy helps Santa again
Mother McAuley alum Jenny McCarthy (Class of 69) is playing Santa's helper. Again. The actress and autism activist reprises the role of St. Nick's daughter in "Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe," a new ABC Family sequel to a 2006 comedy-fantasy movie. Debuting Sunday, Dec. 13, the tale takes New York businesswoman Mary Class (McCarthy) back to the North Pole when her dad (Paul Sorvino) decides to step down from his usual yuletide duties. Test link, test copy.
El Cortez now open in Mokena
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Fans of El Cortez, the popular Mexican restaurant chain originally based in Blue Island, can now get their fill of tacos, fajitas and cerveza fria at the new location at 10128 W. 191st St. in Mokena.
Southland Savvy
Fans of El Cortez, the popular Mexican restaurant chain originally based in Blue Island, can now get their fill of tacos, fajitas and cerveza fria at the new location at 10128 W. 191st St. in Mokena.
New owners at Shannon's Landing
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Shannon's Landing, the Irish pub and restaurant at 3280 Glenwood-Lansing Road inside the Lansing Municipal Airport in Lansing, changed hands a few weeks ago. The pub had been owned by Steve and Janet Nemitz, who also own the Northwoods restaurant at the Coyote Run Golf Course in Flossmoor and the Fifth Quarter and Press Room eatery in Homewood.
Aside from a new phone number -- 708-895-3100 -- and a new Web site -- http://www.shannonslanding.net/, which is not yet up and running -- there are few changes. The old cook has remained and the menu is the same.
Now open
MetroSouth has opened a community outreach health center at 12246 S. Pulaski Road in Alsip. The facility has two family practice physicians, Dr. Brian McCollough and Dr. Miranda Huffman. These physicians provide services in family medicine including women’s health (including obstetrics), pediatrics, preventive healthcare, chronic illness management, geriatrics and sports physicals.
Southern Comforts Cafe moves
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe has moved to 6501 W. 79th St. in Burbank. It had been just down the street, at 5557 W. 79th St. Chef Chuck Pine specializes in Cajun, Mexican and barbecue dishes and learned his craft from award-winning chef Rick Bayless.
Pine opened the Burbank restaurant in 1998 as Chuck's BBQ. For more information, call (708) 229-8700.
MoJoe's to close
Mojoe's Rockhouse has had its last local show and the music venue at 15750 S. Harlem Ave., Orland Park, will close Dec. 12. Mojoe's moved from Tinley Park into the former Riddles Comedy Club about a year ago.
A sweet Christmas idea
Looking for something unique for that certain someone? Try the Chocolate Peppermint Brown Sugar Scrub at Chic Salon and Spa, 13035 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park. The sweet rubdown goes for $50 but will not add a single calorie. For more information, call 708-923-1100.
Bears special of the week
White Horse Inn, 348 W. Maple St., New Lenox, has $10 buckets of domestic beer for $10 and free food at halftime during all Bears games. The White Horse also serves free pizza from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, and free snacks from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
Southland Savvy
Shannon's Landing, the Irish pub and restaurant at 3280 Glenwood-Lansing Road inside the Lansing Municipal Airport in Lansing, changed hands a few weeks ago. The pub had been owned by Steve and Janet Nemitz, who also own the Northwoods restaurant at the Coyote Run Golf Course in Flossmoor and the Fifth Quarter and Press Room eatery in Homewood.
Aside from a new phone number -- 708-895-3100 -- and a new Web site -- http://www.shannonslanding.net/, which is not yet up and running -- there are few changes. The old cook has remained and the menu is the same.
Now open
MetroSouth has opened a community outreach health center at 12246 S. Pulaski Road in Alsip. The facility has two family practice physicians, Dr. Brian McCollough and Dr. Miranda Huffman. These physicians provide services in family medicine including women’s health (including obstetrics), pediatrics, preventive healthcare, chronic illness management, geriatrics and sports physicals.
Southern Comforts Cafe moves
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe has moved to 6501 W. 79th St. in Burbank. It had been just down the street, at 5557 W. 79th St. Chef Chuck Pine specializes in Cajun, Mexican and barbecue dishes and learned his craft from award-winning chef Rick Bayless.
Pine opened the Burbank restaurant in 1998 as Chuck's BBQ. For more information, call (708) 229-8700.
MoJoe's to close
Mojoe's Rockhouse has had its last local show and the music venue at 15750 S. Harlem Ave., Orland Park, will close Dec. 12. Mojoe's moved from Tinley Park into the former Riddles Comedy Club about a year ago.
A sweet Christmas idea
Looking for something unique for that certain someone? Try the Chocolate Peppermint Brown Sugar Scrub at Chic Salon and Spa, 13035 S. LaGrange Road in Palos Park. The sweet rubdown goes for $50 but will not add a single calorie. For more information, call 708-923-1100.
Bears special of the week
White Horse Inn, 348 W. Maple St., New Lenox, has $10 buckets of domestic beer for $10 and free food at halftime during all Bears games. The White Horse also serves free pizza from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, and free snacks from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
Italian Villa pizza at 191 South
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Mokena area fans of Joe's Italian Villa Pizza, 8807 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, can now get their fill at 191 South, 10160 W. 191st St. in Mokena.
Italian Villa pizza and other menu items are now being served daily after 4 p.m. at 191 South. Pizzas are available for pickup only on Mondays and Tuesdays, but Wednesday through Sunday the dining room is turned over to Italian Villa. Pizzas are also available in the lounge.
191 South joined forces with Italian Villa on Nov. 29 in an arrangement similar to the one between Chef Paul's and Angelino's farther east on 191st in Mokena. Earlier this year, those restaurants joined forces in the Angelino's building.
This is the second location for Joe's Italian Villa, which was founded in Bridgeview in 1947.
For more information, call 191 South at 708-478-6873.
Southland Savvy
Mokena area fans of Joe's Italian Villa Pizza, 8807 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, can now get their fill at 191 South, 10160 W. 191st St. in Mokena.
Italian Villa pizza and other menu items are now being served daily after 4 p.m. at 191 South. Pizzas are available for pickup only on Mondays and Tuesdays, but Wednesday through Sunday the dining room is turned over to Italian Villa. Pizzas are also available in the lounge.
191 South joined forces with Italian Villa on Nov. 29 in an arrangement similar to the one between Chef Paul's and Angelino's farther east on 191st in Mokena. Earlier this year, those restaurants joined forces in the Angelino's building.
This is the second location for Joe's Italian Villa, which was founded in Bridgeview in 1947.
For more information, call 191 South at 708-478-6873.
Tribes Alehouse new to Mokena
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Tribes Alehouse and Grill, a new venture by Mokena resident Niall Freyne, will open Tuesday at 11220 W. Lincoln Highway in Mokena. Earlier this year, Freyne closed Galway Tribes in Frankfort, which has since reopened as Tommy Nevin's Pub.
Tribes Alehouse is a lot smaller than Galway Tribes and is located in a busy strip center just west of Wolf Road in Mokena. The phone number is 815-464-0248.
Smooth Joe's opens softly in Frankfort
Smooth Joe's Coffee House is in the midst of a soft opening at 9645 Lincolnway Lane in the Crown Center Plaza in Frankfort.
The restaurant is working out the kinks and doesn't have everything up and running yet, such as the expresso maker or wi-fi. But the kitchen is open and the restaurant is offering a full menu that includes sandwiches, paninis and salads.
A grand opening will be held in the near future. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The eatery is closed on Sundays.
For more information, call 815-469-9448. The eatery hopes to have a Web site soon.
Now open
Boost Mobile opened recently at 6764 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. The phone number is 708-599-6400.
4 Tinos Pizza closes
4 Tinos Pizza has closed at 637 N. LaGrange Road in Frankfort.
Oak Forest loses Ho-Ho connection
The Hostess outlet store at 6080 W. 159th St. in Oak Forest, which was a great place to get cheap Cupcakes, Twinkees, Ho-Hos and Wonder Bread, closed recently. Outlet stores remain open at 164 Town Center Road in Matteson (plaza with the Toys R Us store), 6420 W. 87th St. in Burbank, 2500 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park, 3201 W. 167th St. in Hazel Crest and 1330 E. 142nd St. in Dolton.
Southland Savvy
Tribes Alehouse and Grill, a new venture by Mokena resident Niall Freyne, will open Tuesday at 11220 W. Lincoln Highway in Mokena. Earlier this year, Freyne closed Galway Tribes in Frankfort, which has since reopened as Tommy Nevin's Pub.
Tribes Alehouse is a lot smaller than Galway Tribes and is located in a busy strip center just west of Wolf Road in Mokena. The phone number is 815-464-0248.
Smooth Joe's opens softly in Frankfort
Smooth Joe's Coffee House is in the midst of a soft opening at 9645 Lincolnway Lane in the Crown Center Plaza in Frankfort.
The restaurant is working out the kinks and doesn't have everything up and running yet, such as the expresso maker or wi-fi. But the kitchen is open and the restaurant is offering a full menu that includes sandwiches, paninis and salads.
A grand opening will be held in the near future. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. The eatery is closed on Sundays.
For more information, call 815-469-9448. The eatery hopes to have a Web site soon.
Now open
Boost Mobile opened recently at 6764 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. The phone number is 708-599-6400.
4 Tinos Pizza closes
4 Tinos Pizza has closed at 637 N. LaGrange Road in Frankfort.
Oak Forest loses Ho-Ho connection
The Hostess outlet store at 6080 W. 159th St. in Oak Forest, which was a great place to get cheap Cupcakes, Twinkees, Ho-Hos and Wonder Bread, closed recently. Outlet stores remain open at 164 Town Center Road in Matteson (plaza with the Toys R Us store), 6420 W. 87th St. in Burbank, 2500 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park, 3201 W. 167th St. in Hazel Crest and 1330 E. 142nd St. in Dolton.
Puppy Love Boutique new to Mokena
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Puppy Love Boutique, a pet store that specializes in all things canine, opened Tuesday at 19155 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena. Owner Don Groenewold said the store sells puppies and pet supplies for dogs. "We're just about dogs," Groenewold said about an hour before opening the doors Tuesday.
There's no web site but you can call 708-785-7387 for more information.
Polish deli opens in Orland Park Gorka Deli, which features Polish specialties, sandwiches and hot meals to go, opened a few weeks ago at 15118 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. The eatery also has fresh meat and produce.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The phone number is 708-364-7335.
Orland Park hasn't been home to a Polish deli since Bobak's (and its many incarnations) closed at 159th Street and Wolf Road.
Polish bakery and deli coming to Frankfort No sooner did Gorka Deli open than a sign popped up in the former Caliendo Meats at 47 E. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort promising a new Polish deli and bakery called Tasty Bites & Treats is coming soon.
Gibson Chevrolet closes Gibson Chevrolet, 1533 E. 162nd St., South Holland, was one of the GM dealerships that closed Oct. 31 as a result of the automaker's Chapter 11 reorganization. The dealership had been in South Holland for decades.
Southland Savvy
Puppy Love Boutique, a pet store that specializes in all things canine, opened Tuesday at 19155 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena. Owner Don Groenewold said the store sells puppies and pet supplies for dogs. "We're just about dogs," Groenewold said about an hour before opening the doors Tuesday.
There's no web site but you can call 708-785-7387 for more information.
Polish deli opens in Orland Park Gorka Deli, which features Polish specialties, sandwiches and hot meals to go, opened a few weeks ago at 15118 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. The eatery also has fresh meat and produce.
Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The phone number is 708-364-7335.
Orland Park hasn't been home to a Polish deli since Bobak's (and its many incarnations) closed at 159th Street and Wolf Road.
Polish bakery and deli coming to Frankfort No sooner did Gorka Deli open than a sign popped up in the former Caliendo Meats at 47 E. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort promising a new Polish deli and bakery called Tasty Bites & Treats is coming soon.
Gibson Chevrolet closes Gibson Chevrolet, 1533 E. 162nd St., South Holland, was one of the GM dealerships that closed Oct. 31 as a result of the automaker's Chapter 11 reorganization. The dealership had been in South Holland for decades.
Sweet shop opens in mom's memory
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy staff
Sarah Lamas lost her beloved mother, Laura Moreno, to breast cancer in 2005. Now she is using sweetness to attack the disease that took her mom.
Sarah has dedicated her new sweet shop, Fudgi Island Cookie Co., 17133 S. 88th Avenue in Tinley Park, to the memory of her mother, who introduced Sarah to the old family tradition of Fudge Island cookies. Sarah said 10 percent of the profits from cookie sales is donated to the American Cancer Society.
What you might ask exactly is a Fudge Island cookie?
"The cookies are fudge-filled with walnuts," Sarah explained, adding that her grandmother invented them.
Sarah may make the cookies with love, but it was husband, Arturo Lamas, who said she should share them with the world.
"My husband was the idea behind the company," she said, adding she was leery at first of opening a business in today's uncertain economy. "But people are still splurging on sweets, and we make a great cookie. We're going to succeed."
Besides cookies, Fudgi Island also sells the homemade fudge used in the cookies, ice cream supplied by Gayety's in Lansing and chocolates.
Sarah said the cookies are also for sale at Berkot's supermarket in Mokena ($3.99 a bag). "So far, it's just the Mokena store," Sarah said. "We're trying to get them in more grocery stores."
That's heady success for the Calumet City native who is only 24 and whose previous work experience was as a cosmetologist.
Fudgi Island opened Oct. 16 and will hold a ribbon cutting, grand opening and business after hours for the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. As part of its grand opening, Sarah said sundaes will be half-off Thursday and Friday.
Sarah said another promotion will last until at least February. "Anyone who comes in wearing breast cancer awareness clothing or merchandise will get a free bag of cookies," she said.
Southland Savvy staff
Sarah Lamas lost her beloved mother, Laura Moreno, to breast cancer in 2005. Now she is using sweetness to attack the disease that took her mom.
Sarah has dedicated her new sweet shop, Fudgi Island Cookie Co., 17133 S. 88th Avenue in Tinley Park, to the memory of her mother, who introduced Sarah to the old family tradition of Fudge Island cookies. Sarah said 10 percent of the profits from cookie sales is donated to the American Cancer Society.
What you might ask exactly is a Fudge Island cookie?
"The cookies are fudge-filled with walnuts," Sarah explained, adding that her grandmother invented them.
Sarah may make the cookies with love, but it was husband, Arturo Lamas, who said she should share them with the world.
"My husband was the idea behind the company," she said, adding she was leery at first of opening a business in today's uncertain economy. "But people are still splurging on sweets, and we make a great cookie. We're going to succeed."
Besides cookies, Fudgi Island also sells the homemade fudge used in the cookies, ice cream supplied by Gayety's in Lansing and chocolates.
Sarah said the cookies are also for sale at Berkot's supermarket in Mokena ($3.99 a bag). "So far, it's just the Mokena store," Sarah said. "We're trying to get them in more grocery stores."
That's heady success for the Calumet City native who is only 24 and whose previous work experience was as a cosmetologist.
Fudgi Island opened Oct. 16 and will hold a ribbon cutting, grand opening and business after hours for the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. As part of its grand opening, Sarah said sundaes will be half-off Thursday and Friday.
Sarah said another promotion will last until at least February. "Anyone who comes in wearing breast cancer awareness clothing or merchandise will get a free bag of cookies," she said.
Hair Trenz opens in Tinley Park
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy staff
Nicole Bowden has opened Hair Trenz, a full service hair salon, at 17216 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. Bowden said her salon caters to men, women and children and haircuts start at $13. She opened her own shop after styling hair for 13 years at Shear Express in Tinley Park. Hair Trenz has five stations and is open daily.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The phone number is 708-429-0055. She doesn't have a Web site but Bowden said Hair Trenz does have a Facebook page.
Southland Savvy staff
Nicole Bowden has opened Hair Trenz, a full service hair salon, at 17216 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. Bowden said her salon caters to men, women and children and haircuts start at $13. She opened her own shop after styling hair for 13 years at Shear Express in Tinley Park. Hair Trenz has five stations and is open daily.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The phone number is 708-429-0055. She doesn't have a Web site but Bowden said Hair Trenz does have a Facebook page.
New eatery comes to Tinley Park
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy staff
Another restaurant that caters to the breakfast and lunch crowd has opened in Tinley Park. Skillet House II opened a couple of weeks ago at 16729 S. 80th Ave., said owner Juan Castillo, who has operated Skillet House I at 10933 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn for the past 12 years.
Castillo, who has been in the restaurant business his whole career, said he wanted a second location and Tinley Park seemed a good choice. "We were looking and this location (167th and 80th Avenue) seemed like a good corner," he said.
Business has been pretty good so far, Castillo said. "We just opened so it takes a little while for word of mouth to let people know you're open."
The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The phone number is 708-633-1919. Castillo said a Web site should be up soon at http://www.skillethouse.com/
A couple of other restaurants have operated at the site over the years including Broken Egg Pancake House and a Polish cuisine restaurant.
Tommy Nevin's to open in Frankfort
Tommy Nevin's Pub will open at 11 a.m. Thursday inside the former Galway Tribes eatery at 9680 Lincolnway Lane in Frankfort.
The Frankfort location will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. nightly. There are two other locations in Naperville and Evanston. The manager is Steve Cin. The phone number is 815-464-1000.
Meanwhile, Jameson's Pub, which is moving into the former Fireplace Inn at 9545 St. Francis Road in Frankfort will miss its planned Nov. 1 opening. An employee at the Joliet location said no firm opening date has been set for the Frankfort location but the owners are hoping for mid-November.
Tilted Kilt now open in Chicago Ridge
The Tilted Kilt pub opened Sunday at 6401 W. 95th St. inside Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The phone number is 708-851-8300.
Double time at New Lenox McDonald's
A new McDonald's restaurant has opened at 2151 E. Laraway Road in New Lenox. In addition to the usual golden arches and Big Macs, this location features a double drive-through.
Southland Savvy staff
Another restaurant that caters to the breakfast and lunch crowd has opened in Tinley Park. Skillet House II opened a couple of weeks ago at 16729 S. 80th Ave., said owner Juan Castillo, who has operated Skillet House I at 10933 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn for the past 12 years.
Castillo, who has been in the restaurant business his whole career, said he wanted a second location and Tinley Park seemed a good choice. "We were looking and this location (167th and 80th Avenue) seemed like a good corner," he said.
Business has been pretty good so far, Castillo said. "We just opened so it takes a little while for word of mouth to let people know you're open."
The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The phone number is 708-633-1919. Castillo said a Web site should be up soon at http://www.skillethouse.com/
A couple of other restaurants have operated at the site over the years including Broken Egg Pancake House and a Polish cuisine restaurant.
Tommy Nevin's to open in Frankfort
Tommy Nevin's Pub will open at 11 a.m. Thursday inside the former Galway Tribes eatery at 9680 Lincolnway Lane in Frankfort.
The Frankfort location will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. nightly. There are two other locations in Naperville and Evanston. The manager is Steve Cin. The phone number is 815-464-1000.
Meanwhile, Jameson's Pub, which is moving into the former Fireplace Inn at 9545 St. Francis Road in Frankfort will miss its planned Nov. 1 opening. An employee at the Joliet location said no firm opening date has been set for the Frankfort location but the owners are hoping for mid-November.
Tilted Kilt now open in Chicago Ridge
The Tilted Kilt pub opened Sunday at 6401 W. 95th St. inside Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The phone number is 708-851-8300.
Double time at New Lenox McDonald's
A new McDonald's restaurant has opened at 2151 E. Laraway Road in New Lenox. In addition to the usual golden arches and Big Macs, this location features a double drive-through.
Pink Slip boutique open in Mokena
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy staff
Pink Slip Dress Boutique opened recently at 18907 S. Wolf Road in Mokena in the former Drama Queens location, which moved across the street to 18700 S. Wolf Road. Pink Slip features party dresses and cocktail dresses. The phone number is 708-478-7465. The store is hosting a Halloween party from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 25.
Co-owner Carly Singraber, 25, says the store specializes in party dresses. "Most of our dresses are really sparkly," she says. The store also has an in-house designer.
HOBO spotted in Oak Lawn
Home Owners Bargain Outlet has opened a new store in the former Value City Department Store at 8716 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn. It is the fifth Chicago-area store for the discount home improvement retailer. The phone number is 708-423-4656.
Bridal woes
Donna K Bridals has succumbed to the lousy economy after more than 30 years in business. The bridal boutique closed over the weekend at 17204 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park.
Now open
Bridgeview-based The Patio restaurant chain has opened a fifth location at 2780 S. Highland in Lombard. You have to love the smell of ribs cooking when driving past the locations in Bridgeview and Orland Park.
Southland Savvy staff
Pink Slip Dress Boutique opened recently at 18907 S. Wolf Road in Mokena in the former Drama Queens location, which moved across the street to 18700 S. Wolf Road. Pink Slip features party dresses and cocktail dresses. The phone number is 708-478-7465. The store is hosting a Halloween party from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 25.
Co-owner Carly Singraber, 25, says the store specializes in party dresses. "Most of our dresses are really sparkly," she says. The store also has an in-house designer.
HOBO spotted in Oak Lawn
Home Owners Bargain Outlet has opened a new store in the former Value City Department Store at 8716 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn. It is the fifth Chicago-area store for the discount home improvement retailer. The phone number is 708-423-4656.
Bridal woes
Donna K Bridals has succumbed to the lousy economy after more than 30 years in business. The bridal boutique closed over the weekend at 17204 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park.
Now open
Bridgeview-based The Patio restaurant chain has opened a fifth location at 2780 S. Highland in Lombard. You have to love the smell of ribs cooking when driving past the locations in Bridgeview and Orland Park.
New consignment shop in Orland
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy staff
On The Road Again, a consignment store, will open Saturday at 9925 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park.
Co-owner Nancy Plesha, a former Orland Park resident, says she chose the name because she used to run Threadneedle Street, a quilting shop, at the same location. Most recently, the building was home to Village Unlimited.
Plesha said the store has lots of merchandise, but she and business partner Jeanne Gartland are always looking for "upscale furniture, home decor items and art."
Plesha said the store offers a 90-day consignment.
"We and the consignee will set a price and the item will sell for that price for the first 30 days. The price comes down 10 percent for the second 30 days and another 10 percent for the third 30 days," she said. If unsold after 90 days, the consignee can mark the price down further or reclaim the item, Plesha said.
Plesha said the store will be open daily but she and Gartland will be there mostly on weekends.
For more information, call Plesha at 630-569-0591.
Napleton Dodge moves to Lansing
Ed Napleton Dodge, one of the many Southland dealerships that closed as a result of this year's Chrysler bankruptcy and dealership reduction, has moved from its longtime home in Oak Lawn to the former River Oaks Chrysler showroom at 17225 S. Torrence Ave. in Lansing. River Oaks was another of the dealerships forced out of business by the bankruptcy.
Now known as Napleton's River Oaks Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, the dealership's Web site says Jeep and Chrysler models will be available soon. The dealership phone number is 708-636-5800.
Moved
Kitchen Designers moved recently from its Orland Park location to a new spot in a retail strip center at 16703 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park. The phone number is 708-429-0777.
Southland Savvy staff
On The Road Again, a consignment store, will open Saturday at 9925 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park.
Co-owner Nancy Plesha, a former Orland Park resident, says she chose the name because she used to run Threadneedle Street, a quilting shop, at the same location. Most recently, the building was home to Village Unlimited.
Plesha said the store has lots of merchandise, but she and business partner Jeanne Gartland are always looking for "upscale furniture, home decor items and art."
Plesha said the store offers a 90-day consignment.
"We and the consignee will set a price and the item will sell for that price for the first 30 days. The price comes down 10 percent for the second 30 days and another 10 percent for the third 30 days," she said. If unsold after 90 days, the consignee can mark the price down further or reclaim the item, Plesha said.
Plesha said the store will be open daily but she and Gartland will be there mostly on weekends.
For more information, call Plesha at 630-569-0591.
Napleton Dodge moves to Lansing
Ed Napleton Dodge, one of the many Southland dealerships that closed as a result of this year's Chrysler bankruptcy and dealership reduction, has moved from its longtime home in Oak Lawn to the former River Oaks Chrysler showroom at 17225 S. Torrence Ave. in Lansing. River Oaks was another of the dealerships forced out of business by the bankruptcy.
Now known as Napleton's River Oaks Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, the dealership's Web site says Jeep and Chrysler models will be available soon. The dealership phone number is 708-636-5800.
Moved
Kitchen Designers moved recently from its Orland Park location to a new spot in a retail strip center at 16703 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park. The phone number is 708-429-0777.
Mokena loses Colosseum Complex
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy staff
Mokena's Colosseum Complex, 19081 Old LaGrange Road, has closed its doors and those of The Pearl Room, Maximus and Capone's Restaurant.
The nightspot closed at the end of business Aug. 29. The company's Web site attributed the closing to the retirement of owners Mark and Jeanne. Village officials and nearby business owners were quoted in the Mokena Messenger as being caught offguard by the sudden closing.
The Colosseum Web site has a listing of new locations for a series of band appearances that had been scheduled through this month and into October.
Vito & Nick's II closes in Mokena
Vito & Nick's II closed its location at Wolf Road and U.S. 30 last weekend. Owners are planning to concentrate on the company's many franchises, which remain open, and its frozen pizza business.
Beggars Pizza opens in Orland Park
Southland pizza chain Beggars has opened a new full-service restaurant at 11329 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park. The new eatery has a banquet room and offers the chain's popular buffet. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The phone number is 708-364-1500.
The chain also plans to soon open new locations at 547 W. Jackson Blvd., across from Union Station, and at 81st Street and Stony Island Avenue on Chicago's Southeast Side.
Kia returns to Matteson
Hawkinson Kia has opened inside the Matteson Auto Mall at Interstate 57 and U.S. 30 in Matteson. Owners Bob and Jim Hawkinson, of Frankfort, also own the Hawkinson Nissan dealership in the same mall. The opening marks the return of the Kia brand to the auto mall. A Kia dealership closed there in 2007. Plans are in the works for a grand opening in October.
Cappas new owner of Johnny's Wee-Nee Wagon
Former Southland cocaine kingpin John Cappas, 43, is the new owner of Johnny's Wee-Nee Wagon, 15743 S. Crawford Ave. in Markham, which was the original Willie's Wee-Nee Wagon. Cappas was released in 2004 after serving 15 years for drug dealing. The phone number is 708-333-8584.
Southland Savvy staff
Mokena's Colosseum Complex, 19081 Old LaGrange Road, has closed its doors and those of The Pearl Room, Maximus and Capone's Restaurant.
The nightspot closed at the end of business Aug. 29. The company's Web site attributed the closing to the retirement of owners Mark and Jeanne. Village officials and nearby business owners were quoted in the Mokena Messenger as being caught offguard by the sudden closing.
The Colosseum Web site has a listing of new locations for a series of band appearances that had been scheduled through this month and into October.
Vito & Nick's II closes in Mokena
Vito & Nick's II closed its location at Wolf Road and U.S. 30 last weekend. Owners are planning to concentrate on the company's many franchises, which remain open, and its frozen pizza business.
Beggars Pizza opens in Orland Park
Southland pizza chain Beggars has opened a new full-service restaurant at 11329 W. 143rd St. in Orland Park. The new eatery has a banquet room and offers the chain's popular buffet. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The phone number is 708-364-1500.
The chain also plans to soon open new locations at 547 W. Jackson Blvd., across from Union Station, and at 81st Street and Stony Island Avenue on Chicago's Southeast Side.
Kia returns to Matteson
Hawkinson Kia has opened inside the Matteson Auto Mall at Interstate 57 and U.S. 30 in Matteson. Owners Bob and Jim Hawkinson, of Frankfort, also own the Hawkinson Nissan dealership in the same mall. The opening marks the return of the Kia brand to the auto mall. A Kia dealership closed there in 2007. Plans are in the works for a grand opening in October.
Cappas new owner of Johnny's Wee-Nee Wagon
Former Southland cocaine kingpin John Cappas, 43, is the new owner of Johnny's Wee-Nee Wagon, 15743 S. Crawford Ave. in Markham, which was the original Willie's Wee-Nee Wagon. Cappas was released in 2004 after serving 15 years for drug dealing. The phone number is 708-333-8584.
Oak Forest's InBank fails
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy staff
Oak Forest-based InBank, which used to advertise on its message boards that online customers could do their banking in their underwear, lost its corporate shirt Friday when Illinois bank regulators closed the bank and branches in Chicago and Tinley Park.
The FDIC later announced MB Financial had acquired the assets on InBank and would reopen the three branches Saturday morning as MB Financial branches. InBank customers will become MB Financial customers at that time.
According to the FDIC, as of Aug. 3, 2009, InBank had total assets of $212 million and total deposits of approximately $199 million.
Customers who have questions about today's transaction can call the FDIC toll-free at 1-800-640-2607. The phone number will be operational Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., and thereafter from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Interested parties can also visit the FDIC's Web site.
Southland Savvy staff
Oak Forest-based InBank, which used to advertise on its message boards that online customers could do their banking in their underwear, lost its corporate shirt Friday when Illinois bank regulators closed the bank and branches in Chicago and Tinley Park.
The FDIC later announced MB Financial had acquired the assets on InBank and would reopen the three branches Saturday morning as MB Financial branches. InBank customers will become MB Financial customers at that time.
According to the FDIC, as of Aug. 3, 2009, InBank had total assets of $212 million and total deposits of approximately $199 million.
Customers who have questions about today's transaction can call the FDIC toll-free at 1-800-640-2607. The phone number will be operational Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., and thereafter from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Interested parties can also visit the FDIC's Web site.
The Savvy Ones: About Us
Meet Our Crew
Bob Bong
I'm a grandpa times two, a longtime newspaperman who got his start at the old Daily Calumet, a lifelong Southlander who loves the Cubs and Bears. Never met a gnome I didn't like. I've been writing the Comings and Goings column for several years, starting with the Daily Southtown. I live in Frankfort
Chuck Ingwersen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact information
I'm an Oak Forest resident and longtime journalist who now makes his mark as a freelance humor writer and cartoonist. I've written and drawn cartoons for large greeting card companies — including Shoebox (Hallmark), Oatmeal Studios, Gallant Greetings and It Takes Two — as well as for newspapers and web sites. I have a cartoon blog called Words and Toons, a webcomic called Captain Scratchy and an online store featuring many of my cartoons at Zazzle. I'm an avid White Sox fan, a back-on-the-bandwagon Blackhawks fan and a back-on-the-ledge Bears fan.
You can reach me at chuck@southlandsavvy.com.
You can reach me at chuck@southlandsavvy.com.
Contact information
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