Durbin’s opens in Frankfort

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Durbin’s, a popular Southland restaurant chain, opened its newest location earlier this month at 14 Elwood St. in downtown Frankfort in the former Miritello’s Pizza.

The newest Durbin’s is trying something different, said manager Randy Averilla.

“We’re dine-in, carryout and delivery only without any of the bar scene the other Durbin’s have,” he said. “We’re also trying to be strictly counter service without any wait staff.”

Averilla said the restaurant has seating for about 50 people.

Otherwise, the menu is the same as at other Durbin’s with Branding Iron ribs, pasta dinners, sandwiches and pizza.

The Frankfort location is open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3 p.m. to midnight on Friday.

This weekend, the restaurant will start opening at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call the restaurant at 815-464-1007 or visit their Web site at http://www.durbinspub.com/.

Quick exit for South Holland Bakery

South Holland Bakery and Coffee Shop, which opened Oct. 11 at 629 E. 162nd St. in South Holland, has closed less than three months after opening. The phone number is disconnected and there’s a “for lease” sign in the window. That may be the shortest record for a business I’ve come across.

Diana’s Kitchen

A sign in the window at 16707 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park says Diana’s Kitchen is coming soon. Good luck, the place hasn’t been very good for business since Just Joe’s was forced out of that spot more than a decade ago. Since then, it has been home to Toothpicks, Willie’s Wee-Nee Wagon, Gold Coast Dogs and Lazy Dogz Burgers (I don’t think I missed any).

Bears deal of the weekend

Jordan’s Pub, 13500 S. Harlem Ave. in Orland Park, has a free halftime buffet during Bears games. The phone number is 708-460-8330. Its Website is http://www.jordanspub.com/.

Andy’s Frozen Custard holds grand opening in Oak Lawn

Andy's Frozen Custard is holding its grand opening tomorrow in Oak Lawn. Photo from Facebook.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

You can’t miss the giant ice cream cone at Andy’s Frozen Custard, 9507 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn. It has become an Oak Lawn landmark since the store opened last month in the former Del Taco.

The ice cream parlor features more than two dozen toppings for its cones. The menu also features concretes, sundaes, malts, splits and seasonal specialties. Soft drinks and ice tea are also available.

The store is holding its grand opening tomorrow Dec. 29 with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. The first 100 visitors will be entered into a drawing for two gift cards that entitle the bearers to free treats for all of 2011.

Owner Andy Kuntz is also giving away free ice cream cones from noon to 5 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening.

The ice cream parlor is open daily in the winter from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and until 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

The phone number is 708-499-1400. The web site is http://www.eatandys.com/.

Auto Zone opens in New LenoxThe Auto Zone parts store opened Dec. 18 in front of the new Wal-Mart at 671 E. Lincoln Highway. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The phone number is 815-462-0917. The web site is http://www.autozone.com/.

Prime Jewelers open in The PlazaA new jewelry store called Prime opened just before Christmas in The Plaza shopping center at 9500 S. Western Ave. in Evergreen Park. The store is located on the upper level near National Wholesale. The phone number is 708-907-5691. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Also at the Plaza, Daddy & Me, a men’s and children’s clothing store, relocated to a spot on the lower level near the food court. The phone number is 708-229-8600. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Bears deal of the weekTom Kelly’s Chop House & Pub, 495 Degroate Road in New Lenox, has a free halftime buffet during Bears games.

Businesses begin to recover after last week's fire in Oak Lawn



Oak Lawn firefighters battle the blaze on 95th Street. Photo courtesy of Oak Lawn Patch

 By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

One week after an extra-alarm blaze destroyed Eva’s Bridals and Radio Shack and damaged three other businesses in the 4800 block of 95th Street in Oak Lawn, the businesses are bouncing back.

Eva’s, which was where the fire started late that afternoon, has reopened in a former Men’s Wearhouse at 6101 W. 95th St. The phone number remains the same – 708-422-5599 – and the website has more information at http://www.evasbridalsofoaklawn.com/.

The Bedding Experts, 4803 W. 95th St., sustained smoke damage from the fire but reopened on Saturday.

Advantage Chiropractic, 4809 W. 95th St., is next door to Eva’s and sustained heavy damage. A message on the company’s answering machine says the owner is looking to open a satellite office in Oak Lawn until the 95th Street office is ready to reopen.

Radio Shack, also next door to Eva’s, also sustained heavy damage and remains closed. A call to the corporate office in Texas was not returned.

Miss Fantasia Boutique, 4823 W. 95th St., also remains closed. The store was on the corner of the block and missed any structural damage but did sustain smoke damage. Its phone number is constantly busy, but the company’s website http://www.missfantasiaboutique.com/ appears to be up and running.

Dekker Lighting to close in LansingDekker Lighting, a fixture at 18230 S. Torrence Ave. for the past 40 years, is closing its doors with hopes of reopening along U.S. 30 in northwest Indiana in the future.

“If we do well enough with the closing sale, we hope to reopen in northwest Indiana,” says Jeff Dekker.

In the meantime, prices on lighting are slashed 50 percent in the Lansing showroom. Everything in the store is for sale, says Dekker. He expects the sale to last through December and possibly into January.

The phone number is 708-474-9800, and their website is http://www.dekkerlighting.com/.

Kris Kringle Haus back in OrlandA holiday tradition for 20 years, Kris Kringle Haus has returned to Orland Park.

The store, which features Christmas decorations and is only around for a few weeks before Christmas, opened last month at 15210 S. LaGrange Road in the Ravinia Plaza.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The phone number is 708-364-9860. Their website is http://www.kriskringlehaus.com/.

Learning store opens in OrlandLakeshore Learning Store has opened at 15780 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. Its phone number is 708-403-6300. It has a website at http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/.

Sissy’s Home Décor closing in FrankfortSissy’s Home Décor is closing at 20867 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort in the Walt’s Plaza. The phone number is 815-469-5339.

Deal of the week at Ed and Joe’sEd and Joe’s Pizza is offering $5 off any size thin crust pizza from Friday to Sunday at either its Tinley Park or Mokena locations. Offer is valid on dine-in, delivery or carry-out orders. The restaurant also is offering $50 in promotional certificates if you buy $100 in gift cards from Friday to Sunday.

Pickwick Society Tearoom has new home

Cindy Vassell poses in the new location for the Pickwick Sociey Tearoom in Frankfort.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Pickwick Society Tearoom, a downtown Frankfort gem since it opened in 2004, moved recently from its original home to new digs at 122 W. Kansas St.

“This building was the first hotel in town,” says owner Cindy Vassell explaining that the move was forced on her when she lost her lease.

“New owners bought the building we were in,” she says. “And they plan on turning our former location into a gift shop.

“We had looked at this location before and it was still available when we were told we had to move, so here we are.”

The new location is bigger than the original tearoom, 1,600 square feet compared to 900 square feet, and being a former hotel instead of a house, its layout is different. But little else has changed, says Vassell.

“We have 39 kinds of tea,” she says. “We bake all of our goods each morning and still have sandwiches, soups and salads.”

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday and closed on Monday.

For more information and menu selections, visit their website at http://www.pickwicktearoom.com/.

Lansing VFW ClosesLansing VFW Post 7660 closed earlier this month at 2433 Ridge Road the victim of the poor economy and a declining membership.

Village Farmstands closeThe Village Farmstand and Garden Center closed recently at 1 W. Sibley Blvd. in South Holland as did the Village Farmstand at 147 River Oaks Drive in Calumet City.

Bears deal at Ed and Joe’sEd and Joe’s Pizza is offering $7 off any 16-inch thin crust family pizza for tonight’s Bears game against the Miami Dolphins. The offer is good for delivery, take-out and dine-in at both the Tinley Park and Mokena locations. The limit is five pizzas. Gametime is 7:20 p.m. The phone number in Tinley Park is 708-532-3051 and Mokena is 708-478-7171.

Gold shop opens in Frankfort Square

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A resale shop called Gold and More opened recently at 7220 W. Benton Drive in Frankfort Square.

“We are looking for anything of value,” says Andrew, a sales clerk who declined to give his last name. “But what we really are looking for is gold.”

“We’re not a pawn shop,” says Andrew. “We don’t make loans. We buy and sell items, especially gold ones.”

The store will accept just about anything except firearms. “We won’t even talk to someone who tries to bring in a real gun,” says Andrew.

The store is filled with musical instruments including a drum set, electronics such as laptops and an extensive collection of DVDs. There’s also an interesting fur coat tucked in the corner behind the counter.

The store is open seven days a week and has a website www.gold-and-pawn.com. The phone number is 815-277-2592. Their e-mail address is goldpawninc@gmail.com.

Sun sets in Lincoln-WaySun-Times Media announced this week that it will be discontinuing publication of its Lincoln-Way Sun and Homer Sun weekly newspapers in December. The papers are delivered by mail and contain mostly stories recycled from its other publications. The two Suns are among 10 free weeklies the Sun-Times is shutting down.

South Holland Motor Bank closesMB Financial shut down its South Holland Motorbank at 16340 South Park Ave. on Oct. 23. The bank combined operations at the Motor Bank with its branch at 475 E. 162nd St., which had its drive-up lanes remodeled in preparation for the move.

New name for Gift BarnFrankfort’s Gift Barn, 22155 S. 104th Avenue, has changed its name to Gift Barn Emporium. The shop, which sells antiques, collectibles and country crafts, is still open seven days a week. Its phone number is 815-603-7506.

Yankee Candle opens inside HallmarkA Yankee Candle store within a store opened last week inside Rand’s Hallmark Gold Crown store at 7344 W. 191st St. in the Brookside Marketplace in Tinley Park.

Funeral home opens new locationCurley & Sons Funeral Home has opened at 6116 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, and is hosting an open house from 1-5 p.m. tomorrow. For information, contact Tom Curley at 708-422-2700. This is the former Mr. G’s Furniture store, which has consolidated its operations at its store at 17500 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.

Bears Deal of the weekendEl Cortez offers a free taco buffet at its Mokena location at 10128 W. 191st St. during halftime of Bears games.

Mokena Chamber issues fraud warning

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The Mokena Chamber of Commerce issued a fraud warning today to its members after its president-elect Lee Kaz received two phone calls from a company called Octothorpe asking for financial information.

"They called the wrong person," Kaz told the Mokena Patch. "I'm the president-elect. I know for a fact they don't work for the chamber."

Kaz told the Patch that when he questioned the caller's credentials, the caller hung up. A few minutes later, Kaz received a call from the same number. This time, a woman's voice was on the other line. She claimed to be from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Kaz once again questioned the validity of the caller's identity, and once again, the caller hung up.

The calls originated from 202-540-5120.

For the complete story, visit http://www.mokenapatch.com/.

Durbin’s closes Chicago Ridge location

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Durbin’s, which has a string of successful restaurant/bars in the Southland, took it on the chin recently when it closed its branch inside Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall. It was the chain’s first attempt to operate inside a mall. All of its other locations are in freestanding buildings, and all of them are still open. For more information, visit Durbin’s at Facebook or online at http://www.durbinspub.com/.

Mongo visits Apple ChevroletFormer Bears great Steve “Mongo” McMichael is set to appear from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Apple Chevrolet, 8585 W. 159th St. in Tinley Park, to sign autographs, footballs and other memorabilia. His visit is part of the dealer’s Tailgate Party from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Apple is serving up hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks and will be raffling off sports gifts and auto gifts.

Free tacos
Taco Fresco, 7107 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park, is giving away Little Village tacos and chips and salsa as part of its customer appreciation day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Regular tacos will be buy one, get one free all day. There also will be raffles for gift baskets and gift bags. The Mexican eatery recently changed ownership. For more information, call 708-444-8226 or visit http://www.tacofresco.com/.

Bears deal of the weekend
Oliver’s Bar and Grill, 6150 W. 159th St. in Oak Forest, serves free appetizers during halftime of Bears games. Visit their website at http://www.oliversbargrill.com/.
 

Catering business leads to BBQ restaurant

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Kathy Connolly started in the food business as a waitress and bartender at Die Bier Stube in Frankfort.

About 11 years ago, she started doing occasional parties and weddings at the New Lenox VFW Hall.

“I’d step in if the regular caterer wasn’t available,” she says. Thus was born Connolly’s Catering, which Connolly ran from her home in Manhattan.

She rented restaurant space about 18 months ago at 280 E. Haven Ave. in New Lenox.

“People kept asking if we were open for lunch, which got me thinking,” she says.

On July 1, the Bourgeois Pig BBQ opened in the same space she uses for preparing her catering jobs.

“I figured that since we were already here, we might as well be open if someone wanted a sandwich.”

The menu is limited, but that suits Connolly just fine. “We don’t offer a lot but what we do make is great,” she says.

The secret to her popular BBQ is the sauce, she says. “We started out with a barbecue sauce from the Double D Barbecue Pit that we have perfected over the years.”

The Pig, as Connolly loving refers to the restaurant, is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 815-485-1744 or 815-478-3395, or visit her at http://www.bourgeoispigbbq.com/ or http://www.connollyscatering.net/.

Weber’s Taco Stop now open
A new Mexican restaurant with the unlikely name of Weber’s Taco Stop opened last month at 1500 State St. in Lockport. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 815-524-4444 or visit them on Facebook.

Big Tuna opens second location

Big Tuna Sushi is now open in Frankfort.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Big Tuna Sushi has opened its second restaurant at 19951 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort. The Japanese cuisine restaurant had been operating for a couple of years at 131st Street and LaGrange in Orland Park.

Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1-9 p.m.

For more information and to check out its menu, visit http://www.bigtunasushi.com/ or call 815-469-5189.

Hawk replaces Rizza in Bridgeview
Tony Rizza Chevrolet, which had been selling cars at 8200 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview since 1982, was sold recently and in August was renamed Hawk Chevy. The dealership is now part of the group that owns Hawk Ford in Oak Lawn. For more information, visit http://www.hawkchevy.com/ or call 708-594-6400.

Jersey Mike’s coming to Tinley
A New Jersey-based submarine sandwich chain called Jersey Mike’s is planning to open soon in the former Great Wraps location at 16205 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park. The company started in 1956 in Point Pleasant, N.J., and has already opened 11 stores in Illinois. I’ll have more as it becomes available.

Long Run adds staffer
Frankfort-based Long Run Financial Ltd. has added Becky Connery to its team. Connery hails from Downers Grove, where she recently worked as a financial planner and chief compliance officer for a fee-only financial planning firm. She has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and an MBA from Carnegie-Mellon University. For more information, visit http://www.longrunfinancial.com/ or call (815) 464-9275.

My Sisters boutique moves into new quarters in downtown Frankfort

 By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

My Sisters & Me Boutique has moved into its new digs at 1 White St. in downtown Frankfort in the former Fox Lumber building the village acquired when the company announced it was closing its Frankfort location. In addition to bigger surroundings, My Sisters is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Fall hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 815-464-8373 or visit http://www.mysistersandmeboutique.com/.

Now open
Yoga For You has opened in its new location at 14 S. Hickory St. in downtown Frankfort. The fitness center is offering free unlimited yoga classes all next week as part of its grand opening celebration. For more information, call 815-354-5552 or visit http://www.yogaforyoustudio.com/.

Sharing the space is Life Changes Personal Training. For more information, call 708-516-5076 or visit http://www.lifechangespersonaltraining.com/.

Grand reopening
L.A. Café, a Mexican chain based in New Lenox since 1990, has reopened its Richton Park location at 22325 Governors Highway. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 708-747-4440 or visit http://www.lacafe.biz/.

Target opens Tinley clinic
Target opened an in-store health clinic last week at its Super Target store at 7300 W. 191st St. in Tinley Park. The store is one of five Chicago-area locations where a nurse practitioner will now be on duty to treat minor illnesses and injuries and to administer immunizations from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The nurse practitioner will see patients 18 months and older, and there’s no need for an appointment. For more information, call 877-798-2743 or visit www.target.com/clinic.

Free trust seminar
Marquette Bank is hosting a free trust seminar at its Oak Forest branch, 5700 W. 159th St., at 10 a.m. Sept. 16. Topics of this seminar will be "How to Secure Long Term Care and Pay for it Without Going Broke" and "Estate Planning Legislative Updates." Register by calling 708-342-8404.

New Lenox Chamber open houseThe New Lenox Chamber of Commerce is holding an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at its offices at 1 Veterans Parkway, Room 104, in New Lenox. Chamber staffers will be on hand. Refreshments will be served and there also will be a raffle. For more information, call 815-485-4241 or visit http://www.newlenoxchamber.com/.

Zembar grand opening
Zembar Jewelers is having its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at 1269 N. Cedar Road in New Lenox. For more information, call 815-485-7280, visit http://www.zembarjewelers.com/ or check out their Facebook page.

Meijer shopping spree
Meijer customers at the Orland Park store, 15701 S. 71st Court, can enter a contest for a chance to win a shopping spree. The contest will continue until Sept. 15. One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 in Meijer gift cards. The five first prize winners will receive $100 in Meijer gift cards.

Firestone update
Firestone Complete Auto Care will have its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 17 at 9627 W. 191st Street in Mokena.

Bears deal of the weekendTribes Alehouse at 11220 W. Lincoln Highway in Mokena is serving up a free halftime buffet (with beverage purchase) during Bears games this season, which starts at noon Sunday vs. the Detroit Lions. For more information, call 815-464-0248 or visit http://www.tribesalehouse.com/.

If you know of a Southland establishment offering a food or drink deal during Bears games (or any games, really), let me know and I’ll include them in a future column.

New hair salon opens in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Tinley Park’s Katie Theis was facing a dilemma familiar to many new business owners: What to call her new hair salon?

“I didn’t want it to be something trendy that I wouldn’t like in 10 years,” says the mother of two. “So, I named it with the middle names of my son and daughter.”

That’s how Anthony Marie Hair Design, 17605 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, got its name. How it succeeds is up to Theis.

Theis is only 30 and she took a couple years off when her kids were born, but she still has a lengthy resume as a stylist.

“I started right out of high school,” says Theis. “I have more than 10 years experience. Now I’m back to work, and it’s a challenge balancing work and the kids.”

Theis has the advantage of a supportive husband. “He’s the one who encouraged me to do this.”

It also helps when he’s a carpenter. “My husband built this place,” she says.

Anthony Marie opened on Aug. 19. The salon has four stylists, who only do hair. “We’re not into nails yet.”

In addition to styling, the salon offers coloring, texturizing and waxing.

Theis has an eye on catering to brides and their bridal parties. “I’d like to specialize in bridal parties. We’d have mimosas and a fruit spread. Brides need to be pampered on their special day.”

Anthony Marie is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The salon is closed on Sunday and Monday.

For more information, call Theis at 708-444-0101.

Now open
Another Middle Eastern restaurant opened recently in Orland Park. Pita Oven at 9328 W. 159th St. is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The eatery has wait service, carryout and also delivers. The phone number is 708-349-7482 and you can check out their menu at their Facebook page.

Disney crew visits Meijer
The Radio Disney Road Crew will be at the new Meijer location in Orland Park at 15701 S. 71st Court from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday to demonstrate how families can stay active and healthy.

Sox to visit Bettenhausen dealerships
Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez will be signing autographs and meeting fans at Bettenhausen Dodge, 17514 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, from 9-11 a.m. Sept. 11, while pitcher John Danks will be signing autographs and meeting fans at Bettenhausen Chrysler Jeep, 15941 S. 94th Ave. in Orland Park, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

BlueStone shuts down in New Lenox

BlueStone website photo

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

BlueStone Bar and Grill closed abruptly this week at 2387 E. Joliet Highway in New Lenox.

I’ve been told employees showed up for work on Wednesday and were all sent home after being told everyone was fired.

Tarps were covering the bar’s windows from the inside on Wednesday while restaurant equipment was being carted out of the business.

Calls to the bar went unanswered, but the bar’s website stated, “We are sorry to tell everyone that we have closed our restaurant and bar. Thank you for your support and patronage.”

BlueStone has had an uneasy relationship with the village and its neighbors over the years with nearby residents often complaining about noise from bands and DJs as well as motorcycle riders frequenting the bar.

Download your coupons for free gyros sandwiches on Tuesday

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Lunch, well, part of it anyway, is free on Tuesday at sandwich shops supplied by Kronos Products, a Greek food distributor that has coupons on its website good for a free gyros sandwich at participating restaurants.

This is the second year for the sandwich giveaway, which last year caused traffic jams and crowded dining rooms at restaurants across the Southland.

Eateries taking part include Nick’s Barbecue locations, Pop’s Italian Beef locations, Mickey’s and Cyprus in Tinley Park, Antonis in Lockport, Goody’s & Gyros in Homer Glen, Athens Gyros in Homewood and Richton Park, Johnny’s Wee-Nee Wagon in Markham, and Jason’s Drive-In in Beverly/Mount Greenwood.

You can get a complete list of participating restaurants and one coupon for each e-mail address you register at http://www.kronosfreegyros.com//.

The day isn’t only about free food, however. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that supports military families. Donations support the new Fisher House at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines.

Double Deuce folds
The Double Deuce Bar and Grill at 330 W. North St. in Manhattan has closed. Its Facebook page says the bar closed in early August but is relocating and will reopen soon. Of course, it also says it is remodeling, which makes no sense, but, hey, I don’t judge.

Sweet grand opening
The Old Thyme Sweet Shop is celebrating its grand opening Tuesday at its location inside Quiznos at 7152 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park. There is entertainment and music from noon to 8 p.m., special entertainment for kids from noon to 3 p.m., a Classic Car Show in the parking lot at 2 p.m., and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.quiznos.com//.

Jimmy John’s grand opening
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches is celebrating the grand opening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday of its new store at 12601 S. Western Ave. in Blue Island. There is a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. with Mayor Donald Peloquin, other city officials and Blue Island Chamber of Commerce representatives. The store has a drive-through window and, of course, freaky fast delivery. For more information, visit http://www.jimmyjohns.com//.

Clock shop liquidating
Omnibus Clock Shop, which has served the timekeeping needs of the Southland since 1982, is in the midst of a liquidation sale at its 3913 Sauk Train location in Richton Park. The shop has been operating under reduced hours for some time. For more information, visit http://www.omnibusclockshop.com//.

Palos Bank acquired by First Midwest
Palos Bank & Trust was closed earlier this month by state and federal bank regulators and its assets sold to First Midwest Bank, which has reopened all of Palos Bank’s branches.

Southland’s Jane Lynch wins Emmy

Dolton native Jane Lynch after winning an Emmy Award Sunday night.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Dolton native Jane Lynch did not forget her Southland roots Sunday night after winning the Emmy for her role as the dastardly cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on “Glee.”

Lynch, who graduated from Thornridge High School in the mid-1970s, gave a shout out to the South Side of Chicago upon accepting the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

“This is outlaaaandish,” Lynch said as she took the stage to accept her trophy.

She then thanked her parents “for being so unintentionally hilarious!”

A short time later, Lynch was up for another Emmy as the wisecracking psychiatrist on “Two And A Half Men” with Charlie Sheen.

Lynch, who is busy taping new episodes of “Glee,” now is set to host “Saturday Night Live” when that show returns in October.

Fred Astaire now in Mokena

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Fred Astaire Dance Studio moved recently from Tinley Park to new digs at 19840 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena. The phone number is 708-478-5722. For more information, visit http://www.fredastairechicago.com/.

K.T. Mae’s update
I’m guessing the padlocked chains on the doors at K.T. Mae’s in Frankfort means the establishment definitely is closed.

Florabella closes
Florabella florist has closed at 17210 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.

Toy Box Connection hosts golf outing
The Toy Box Connection, a company founded by an Orland Park mom to connect needy children with the gift of a toy, is hosting its first charity golf outing at 8 a.m. Sept. 14 at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park.

Golfers are welcome as a foursome or individually. Golfers will receive 18 holes of golf, a cart, continental breakfast, BBQ lunch and beverages on the course, a steak dinner and raffles.

Cost is $125 per golfer, and golfers are asked to bring a new toy to the outing.

For more information, visit http://www.toyboxconnection.com/.

Deal of the weekend
Kids are invited to make their own sundaes from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the new Meijer store at 15701 S. 71st Court in Orland Park. It’s part of the store’s ongoing grand opening.

At Louie's Pizza in Frankfort, the slices are huge, and that's a fact

A slice of the Margarita pizza at Louie's Pizza in Frankfort.

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

Louie’s Pizza at 20531 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort is home to what owner Craig Stackley calls “the giant slice,” and he’s not kidding.

Slices at Louie’s are served from a 28-inch pizza, which is the biggest I’ve ever seen at a Southland pizzeria. That’s 10 inches wider than the largest pizzas at popular local pizzeria chains such as Aurelio’s and Beggars.

“Our slogan is, ‘Wow, that’s huge’,” says Stackley, who opened Louie’s on Aug. 2 in the Vineyards Plaza in Frankfort.

Stackley has some experience in the pizza business, but before opening Louie’s he was with a building management company.

In addition to the monster slices, Louie’s has the kind of food you find at most pizzerias. There are appetizers, sandwiches, salads, homemade focaccia and pasta dinners. Louie’s also has fish and chicken dinners.

“When the weather turns colder, we’ll add soups ,” says Stackley.

One kind of pizza that sets Louie’s apart is the Margarita, which is made without tomato sauce. Here's a history lesson, the pizza was created in 1889 in honor of the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. Its toppings are fresh sliced tomatoes, fresh sliced mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. It represents the colors of the Italian flag, red, white and green.

“It’s different,” says Stackley. “But it tastes great.”

Business has been slowly picking up and Stackley anticipates it will grow even faster now that school is back in session. Lincoln-Way East High School is across the street from Louie’s.

All pizzas are available in traditional sizes (14-inch, 16-inch and 18-inch) and you can even order one of the 28-inch big boys except stuffed.

There are no tables inside but there is limited seating in front of the restaurant. Delivery is available after 4 p.m.

Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 3 to 9 p.m. The phone number is 815-469-2700. There’s no website yet, but Stackley is working on it.

“In my spare time,” he said jokingly.

Craig Stackley opened Louie's Pizza in Frankfort earlier this month.

Two-for-one tickets for red-hot Thunderbolts

While the White Sox are desperately trying to stay in the playoff chase and the Cubs have long abandoned any such hopes, the Southland's very own Windy City Thunderbolts are in good position to clinch their fourth consecutive playoff berth. The Thunderbolts have won 18 in a row at home and are in first place in the Frontier League East Division.

The Thunderbolts have six regular-season home games left at  Standard Bank Stadium (14011 S. Kenton Ave., Crestwood). Tomorrow and Wednesday night, when the Thunderbolts host division rival Oakland County, all tickets are Buy-One, Get-One-Free. If that's not enough, the first 250 fans will receive a free T-shirt on Tuesday and a free hat on Wednesday. And don't even get me started on "Thirsty Thursday" ... $1 domestic draft beer!

For more information, go to the team's website here.

Papa Damiani Pizza moves to northwest Indiana

Lou Damiani shows off the sign from the original location.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Papa Damiani Pizza, a fixture in Dolton from 1957 until its closing in April, reopened a few weeks ago inside the North Woods restaurant at 8101 Wicker Ave. in St. John, Ind. For more information, visit http://www.northwoodsdining.com/ or check out their page on Facebook.

Bench Warmers closes in Lansing
Bench Warmers Sports Pub closed suddenly over the weekend at its longtime home at 3325 Ridge Road in Lansing. The location had been operated by a member of the same family since it opened as the Lansing Tap and Ridge Room in 1947.

Lansing Tap was renamed Bench Warmers in 1984 when Bill and Cheryl Last took over operations from his father. Cheryl’s son Tim Geeve took over the establishment a few years ago.

Bench Warmers reopened a few years ago after a fire almost destroyed the business.

Chinese restaurant changes name
Tan Chinese Kitchen at 312 N. LaGrange Road in Frankfort has reopened as Ocean Chinese restaurant. The phone number is 815-464-8896.

Grand opening celebration at Orland Wine
Orland Park Wine and Spirits is celebrating its grand opening this weekend at 8600 W. 159th St. in Orland Park with wine tastings, seminars and visits from Chicago sports legends. New owners took over the store back in February.

Former Chicago Bear Dan Hampton will be on hand from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday while former Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito will be there from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, I’d call 708-460-4300. There is a website at http://www.orlandparkwineandspirits.com/ but it hasn’t been updated since July.

New name for Mokena restaurant

Golden Oak Restaurant and Waffle House in Mokena.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

New owners recently acquired the former Kingsberry restaurant at 19845 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena and have renamed it Golden Oak Restaurant and Waffle House. It is still a breakfast and lunch place open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 708-478-4430.

New eats in Evergreen Park
The culinary offerings in Evergreen Park expanded this week.

Cavatappi, a brick-oven pizzeria and wine bar, opened for business on Monday at 3020 W. 95th St. in the former Mulchrone’s. For more information, call 708-576-3055.

And Taco Fresco, a Mexican carryout restaurant, opened recently at 3342 W. 95th St.

Vision group moves to Orland Park
Kirschner Vision Group recently moved its second office from Oak Forest to new digs at 7026 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. The main office remains in Homewood. For more information, visit its website at http://www.visionsource-kirschnervision.com/.

MMA academy opens in Mokena
Mandori Jiu Jitsu has opened at 10112 W. 191st St. in Mokena. The martial arts academy specializes in Brazilian jiu jitsu. For more information, call 708-478-3310.

Food 4 Less breaks ground in Chicago Heights
The long-awaited Food 4 Less grocery store in Chicago Heights moved a step closer this week when ground was broken on Monday to remodel the former Dominick’s Finer Foods at U.S. 30 and Western Avenue. The new store is part of Kroger Foods discount division, which now has stores in Oak Forest, Dolton, Alsip, Burbank, Joliet, Crest Hill, Hammond, Ind., and Chicago. The new store is expected to be ready by February.

Catching up
Michael Flamburis in March opened a Greek restaurant called It’s Greek To Me at 13119 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park with plans to open an adjoining breakfast-lunch restaurant called Country Cottage Café a few weeks later. Those plans changed and the adjoining restaurant has since opened under the name Little Greek Cottage. The cottage like most breakfast-lunch places is open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. with It’s Greek to Me open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 708-923-1400.

Scrementi's to replace Chef Paul's at Angelino's sports bar in Mokena

Scrementi's restaurant is replacing Chef Paul's at Angelino's sports bar in Mokena.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Angelino’s sports bar, 9301 W. 191st St. in Mokena, has been going without a restaurant partner since Chef Paul’s steakhouse closed in May, but that is about to change.

The space formerly used by Chef Paul’s is being remodeled for Scrementi’s, an Italian restaurant based in Steger. It will be the second location for Scrementi’s. A mid-September opening is planned.

Although no decision has been made, the new Scrementi’s is expected to offer most if not all of the items offered at the Steger location, 3760 Chicago Road.

In the meantime, Angelino’s downstairs bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight.

For more information, call Scrementi’s at 708-755-7200 or visit its website http://www.scrementis.com/. Angelino’s has no website, but its phone number is 708-478-0301.

Chef Paul’s moved a couple of years ago into Angelino’s from its original storefront location at 88th Avenue and 191st Street in an attempt to cut costs and stay in business.

Firestone, Fat Ricky’s updates
The Firestore auto center at 191st Street and LaGrange Road in Mokena is now open.

Fat Ricky’s Original Old World Pizza opened a few weeks ago at 16255 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park in the former Al’s Beef location. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 708-460-1010 or visit its website at http://www.fatrickys.com/.

New owners for Yana’s Cafe
The Bronshtein family of Frankfort recently took over ownership of Yana’s Café, 8005 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park. The restaurant has a new menu and has added a cookie corner for children of customers to create cookies that are then baked in the kitchen. Hours are daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 708-444-7800.

Frangella Italian Market opens in Orland

Frangella Italian Market opened recently at 178th Street and Wolf Road in Orland Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Frangella’s Italian Imports, 11925 S. 80th Avenue in Palos Park, recently opened a second store at 178th Street and Wolf Road in Orland Park. Frangella’s is known for its Italian deli sandwiches, pasta and ethnic specialties.

The Orland store is called Frangella Italian Market and is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There is no website, but the Orland store’s phone number is 708-478-6460.

Riley Trick Shop closes in Frankfort
Riley’s Trick Shop closed recently at 103 Bankview Drive in Frankfort after being forced out by a neighboring tenant that wanted more space in the strip center, says Jim Riley, owner of the original Riley’s Trick Shop in Worth.

Riley said there are no plans to reopen in Frankfort but the Worth store is open for business at 6442 W. 111th St., where it has been located since 1973. The store first opened in Chicago in 1937 and has moved four times. The Frankfort store opened in October 2007.

For more information, visit http://www.rileystrickshop.com/.

Auto parts store opens in Crown Point
Advanced Auto Parts opened a store recently at 914 N. Main St. in downtown Crown Point. Hours are Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The phone number is 219-663-7846.

Carlini’s Pizza opens in Frankfort SquareAnother pizzeria is giving it a go in the space behind the Hot Grill, 7818 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort Square. Carlini’s Pizza opened a few weeks ago. The phone number is 815-469-0930. Carlini’s is at least the fourth pizzeria to open there in the past couple of years. Good luck!

Name change
The former Domino’s Pizza at 18155 Dixie Highway recently changed its name to Delanoe’s Pizza and expanded the menu. Hours are Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight. The phone number is 708-794-0209 and the website is http://delanoes.com/.

Simply Smokin’ now openSimply Smokin’ BBQ and Grill finally opened its doors last week at 10211 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort.

Deal of the week
Don’s Hot Dogs, 17831 Wolf Road in Orland Park, is offering a buy one get one free deal on Wienie Wednesdays. There is a four hot dog limit.

Best Sellers bookstore closing this month in Palos Heights

Best Sellers bookstore in Palos Heights is closing at the end of August.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Best Sellers, a popular bookstore at 6509 W. 127th St. in Palos Heights for the past 33 years, is closing because owner Jean Gnap is retiring.

“Thirty three years is long enough,” says Gnap, who also is a Palos Heights alderman.

The closing is set for no later than Aug. 31. “Everything must go,” she says. The store carries all kinds of books, comic books, trading cards and collectibles.

“We will start our closing sale on Monday. Hardcover books will be $1, paperbacks are $2 and you can trade-in any credit you have,” says Gnap. “Newer comic books will be half-price while older comic books will be half off of the catalog price.”

Gnap says she is staying in Palos Heights after retiring and will remain a community advocate.

“My aldermanic term is up in April and I will probably run for re-election. There are some projects I’d like to see through to completion.”

For more information, call the store at 708-371-2540 or visit their website at http://bestsellers.web.officelive.com/ and the Best Sellers Bookstore page at Facebook.

Providence Bank opens in FrankfortSouth Holland-based Providence Bank has opened its sixth branch at 20220 S. LaGrange Road in the Frankfort Commons shopping center in Frankfort in a former National City Bank.

Providence Bank was founded six years ago and prides itself on donating 10 percent of its profits to civic, non-profit and Christian organizations. Other branches are in South Holland, Elmhurst, Munster, Ind., Dyer, Ind., and Schererville, Ind.

For more information, call 888-923-5664 or visit http://www.providencebank.com/.

Flagship Creations moves in LansingFlagship Creations, a custom T-shirt shop, has moved down the street to 3517 Ridge Road in Lansing. The phone number remains the same at 708-474-3445.

94 West deal of the weekend
94 West, 15410 S. 94th Avenue, Orland Park, will take 25 percent off your entire food bill today through Sunday as part of its Customer Appreciation Weekend. Offer is for dine-in customers only and is not valid with other coupons. For more information, call 708-364-9494 or visit http://www.94westrestaurant.com/.

Illinois to hold its first sales tax holiday starting Friday

Extreme Pita is expected to open Aug. 10 in Orland Park.

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Illinois will hold its first state sales tax holiday starting Friday and running through Aug. 15.

School supplies including calculators, backpacks, legal pads, pens, pencils and erasers will be exempt from the state’s 5 percent sales tax during the holiday, which was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this summer.

Sales taxes imposed by municipalities, counties, transit agencies and any other government body are not included in the tax holiday.

Although intended to relieve some of the burden from parents of school-age children, anyone who purchases items on the exempt list will benefit from the holiday.

For a complete, downloadable list of what is and isn’t exempt, visit http://www.tax.illinois.gov/.

Extreme Pita to open next week
Darrell Hall expects to open his Extreme Pita restaurant on Aug. 10 at 14658 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park’s Cooper Square shopping center. For more information, call 708-403-8338 or visit their Facebook page at Extreme Pita of Orland Park.

La Papa’s coming soon
A sign proclaiming a La Papa’s Italian Beef and Sausage is coming has popped up in the building on the northeast corner of 111th Street and Pulaski Road in Chicago.

Reinsdorf to speak at chamber luncheon
White Sox and Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf will be the guest speaker at Monday’s monthly consensus lunch for the Southland Chamber of Commerce at the Tinley Park Holiday Inn-Convention Center, 18501 S. Harlem Ave.

The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m. with Reinsdorf expected to begin speaking about noon. He is expected to talk about the red hot White Sox and the upcoming season for the Bulls.

Reservations are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Call 708-957-6950 or visit the chamber’s website at http://www.chicagosouthland.com/.

Lunch deal of the week
Benchwarmers at 3325 Ridge Road in Lansing now has a $4.99 lunch menu daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New Mexican restaurant expects to open this month in Midlothian

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Midlothian will soon be home to Sierra Mexican Grill, which is expecting to open by mid-August at 147th Street and Pulaski Road. It will be the second location for Sierra Mexican Grill, which is owned by Juan Sierra. The original location is in Peotone.

The Chieftain opens in WorthA new bar called The Chieftain opened recently at 6908 W. 111th St. in Worth in the former Pump Room. The new establishment is an Irish pub, which makes sense considering the owner John Staunton hails from the Auld Sod and owns a couple of pubs in the Emerald Isle. The Chieftain opens daily at 11 a.m. and at noon on Sundays. It is open late, until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Fare is typical pub grub.

Paddy B’s settles into new home
Orland Park’s Paddy B’s has settled in at its new location at 11969 W. 143rd St. in the village. The bar moved in June from its longtime home at 143rd Street and Union Avenue. The new location has seating for about 40 and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. The phone number is 708-349-3077.

New grocery store coming for Country Club Hills
Michael’s Fresh Market is renovating the former Eagle grocery store at 183rd Street and Pulaski Road in the Shops at Cooper’s Grove in preparation for opening later this summer. The new food store will be about 56,000 square feet in size. Michael’s operates a number of stores under various names in Harvey, Oak Park, Chicago, Downers Grove and Naperville.

Tequila Roadhouse closes in Alsip
Tequila Roadhouse, which changed its name from O’Malley’s in January, closed suddenly last month at 11957 S. Pulaski Road in Alsip. The building is for lease.

Job Fair in Tinley ParkBP Staffing is holding a job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Bremen VFW Post 2791 at 17147 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park. For more information, call 708-576-8901.

Italian restaurant coming to Evergreen Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

A new Italian restaurant called Cavatappi, which means corkscrew in Italian, is opening soon in the former Mulchrone’s at 3020 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park.

Co-owner Bill Mulchrone says Cavatappi is going to be a brick-oven pizza parlor and wine bar with other Italian dishes on the menu as well.

“We hope to open in the next couple of weeks,” says Mulchrone, who is part of the family that owned that owned the establishment in its former incarnation.

Mulchrone’s partner is Potito Conza, a chef from Torino in northern Italy.

“Our cuisine will be authentic Italian with a Torino flair,” says Mulchrone. “We’ll have Italian dishes ranging from $9 to $15.”

Mulchrone says Cavatappi will feature a wine bar with a decidedly Italian flavor. “I’d say about 85 percent of the wines will be Italian.”

The restaurant will take up the front of the building and have seating for 78 with room for another 18 at the bar. “We’re going to have parties in the back.”

Hours are going to be 4 to 10 p.m. weekdays and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends.

For more information, call the restaurant at 708-576-3055. A web site is under construction and will be online soon.

Evergreen Park Mayor Jim Sexton says he’s excited an Italian restaurant is moving into the formerly vacant site.

Sexton also says he is on the hunt for a sit-down Mexican restaurant for Evergreen Park. “If there are any out there looking for a location in town, give me a call.”

Blockbuster closing in MokenaThe Blockbuster video rental store at 11230 W. Lincoln Highway in Mokena is closing. Its last day will be no later than Aug. 22. The store is selling most of its DVDs for $7.99 and Blu-ray videos are going for 10 percent off the marked price.

Pandora coming to Orland Square
A Pandora jewelry store is coming soon to Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. The company is now hiring employees for the new store. For more information, visit its website at http://www.pandora.net/.

Forman Mills opening in LansingA Forman Mills discount clothing store is opening at 8 a.m. Friday in the former Toys R Us store inside The Landings shopping center at 171st Street and Torrence Avenue in Lansing. It will be the first Illinois store for the 29-store chain that sells designer clothes at discount prices in a warehouse-style setting. The company says it hopes to open more stores in the Chicago-area. For more information, visit its website at http://www.foremanmills.com/.

Meet Your Hero Tour
White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is coming to the FansEdge store at Orland Square Mall on Aug. 23 as part of the company’s Meet Your Hero Tour, which has Chicago sports legends appearing at different stores in different malls. Pierzynski is scheduled to appear from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 708-873-1250.

Online deal of the weekOnline shoppers can save 10 percent at http://www.fansedge.com/ by using this code when checking out: FBMIDSUM. The code is good through Aug. 1.

Sox, Bulls chairman Reinsdorf to headline Southland Chamber luncheon

Jerry Reinsdorf, chairman of the White Sox and the Bulls, will headline the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce Regional Consensus Luncheon at the Tinley Park Convention Center on Aug. 9. The event, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., is open to the public. Chamber officials expect a large turnout.

“There’s not another Chicago sports owner like Reinsdorf, and it will be interesting to hear how he made big decisions and brought such success to Chicago teams,” Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Maureen Kelly said.

Reservations for the luncheon are $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. They can be made by calling (708) 957-6950 or by visiting www.ChicagoSouthland.com.

The Tinley Park Convention Center is located at 18501 Harlem Ave. (entrance off 183rd Street only).

Bridgeview driver's license office to be closed during move

By Southland Savvy

The Secretary of State driver's facility at 7200 W. 84th St. in Bridgeview will close Thursday and Friday while it moves to a larger location.

The new office will open Monday three blocks away at 7350 W. 87th St. in Bridgeview. The new office is larger and will offer more parking. Hours will remain the same, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

During the two days the office is closed, motorists can visit driver's facilities in Midlothian, 14434 Pulaski Road, and on Chicago's South Side, 9901 King Drive. An express office is at Orland Park Village Hall, 14700 Ravinia Ave.

A phone freeze in a hot summer

By David Kolata
Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board

The best calling plans in the Land of Lincoln just got better thanks to consumer advocates in Springfield — and that could save AT&T customers nearly $200 a year.

During the recent rewrite of Illinois’ Telecommunications Act, phone-industry lobbyists pushed for the eventual elimination of AT&T’s low-cost Consumer’s Choice plans, which were created by the Citizens Utility Board under a legal settlement back in 2006. But CUB, the Attorney General’s Office and AARP-Illinois fought to save the plans and freeze their low prices through at least June of 2013, when lawmakers revisit the act.

As we hold phone clinics across Illinois, one thing is certain: A lot of people are chained to bloated calling plans. In fact, a CUB study last year estimated that Illinois consumers were overpaying by more than $1 billion a year on their local, long-distance and cell-phone service.

AT&T customers could cut those costs roughly in half, the study found, by switching to AT&T’s standard pay-per-call rates or the Consumer’s Choice plans for local calls (to places within about 15 miles from home). CUB designed those plans to fit the needs of the average caller.

• Consumer’s Choice Basic, ranging from $3.05 a month in downtown Chicago to $9.50 per month in the rest of Illinois, includes AT&T’s Line Charge and 30 local phone calls. Local calls beyond the first 30 are billed at 6 cents per call.
• Consumer’s Choice Extra costs $9 to $15 per month and includes unlimited local calls. It’s best for someone who doesn’t want extra features, but makes roughly 100 local calls or more per month.
• Consumer’s Choice Plus, costing $16 to $19.70 per month, is popular because it includes two calling features, such as Caller ID or Voice Mail, along with unlimited local calls.

So what plan’s best for you? Call CUB at 1-800-669-5556, for a free phone-bill analysis. Or, visit the online Phone Savings Center, at http://www.citizensutilityboard.org/. There, AT&T customers can use the Local Phone Cost-cutter to find out the best local option based on their calling habits. The online tool has shown 40,000 customers how to save a total of $7.8 million a year, or $194 per customer.

The Phone Savings Center also has the details on extremely low long-distance rates, sweetened with an automatic $10 credit. Of course, a lot of people don’t have landlines. That’s why the center features the CUB Cellphone Saver, which has shown people how to cut costs by $300 a year on up.

There are few household costs that are as easy to cut as your phone bill, and that’s good news in any economy. So, pick up your phone bill and call CUB.

Entree Ale House now open in Frankfort

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Ryan Tosh is looking forward to a long run as owner of the Entrée Ale House and Eatery at 695 N. LaGrange Road in Frankfort.

Tosh, 30, who owned Scott Patrick’s Grill and two breakfast restaurants in Crete, opened Entrée on June 24 in the former Kosta’s restaurant. Before that, the building was longtime home to Mary Todd’s Café.

“At first, I was looking to open a new place in Indiana, but nothing caught my eye,” Tosh says. “So, I looked west instead. Found Kosta’s was available and fell in love with the place and bought it.”

Tosh says Entrée is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features American family dining. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the bar staying open until 1 a.m.

Sunday hours at present are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the bar closing at 11 p.m. “We may tweak the Sunday hours,” says Tosh.

The patio is open but Tosh hopes to redevelop it in late summer or early fall.

Entrée also has a room suitable for banquets and private parties. “I’ve booked quite a few parties already,” he says.

Tosh has plans for live bands, karaoke, comedy shows and open mic nights. “We just had a band last week and I plan to bring in Brasago, which was the house band when I owned Scott Patrick’s.”

Also coming are daily breakfast specials and Friday night fish frys. “We’re going to do cod and lake perch with my special breading.”

Tosh says he has carryouts and will deliver catering jobs.

For more information, call Entrée at 815-469-9922 or fax to 815-469-0599.

A website is under construction and will be up soon at http://www.entreefrankfort.com/.

Coming soon
A Spirit Halloween store is set to open in the next month at Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall in Chicago Ridge.

A CVS pharmacy is under construction at College Drive and Southwest Highway in Palos Heights.

Stanley Cup deal
Blackhawks No. 36 Dave Bolland will be signing copies of the 2010 Stanley Cup DVD at the new Meijer store at 15701 S. 71st Court in Orland Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

South Holland Motors wins back Dodge franchise in arbitration

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

South Holland Motors won its arbitration against Chrysler last week and will be reinstated as a Dodge dealership.

The dealership, which was founded in 1984 as South Holland Dodge, was forced to change its name when Chrysler stripped the dealership of its Dodge franchise as part of a massive reorganization last year when the automaker told hundreds of dealerships they would lose their Dodge and Chrysler franchises.

“We thought we would win,” says owner Pat Fitzgibbon. “We wanted it back; it shouldn’t have been taken away in the first place.”

Fitzgibbon said he believes he is the first Dodge dealer in the Chicago area to win its arbitration case.

Fitzgibbon said new Dodge models will start showing up on the lot at 113 W. 159th St. in the coming weeks.

Besides winning back its Dodge franchise, South Holland Motors has also added Mitsubishi to its product line.

“We started selling the full line of Mitsubishi products on July 1,” says Fitzgibbon. “We are a full serve Mitsubishi dealership. We have sales, service, parts and a collision center.”

For more information, call 708-333-1060 or visit their website at http://www.southhollandmotors.com/.

Cork and Kerry at the Park
Missed getting this out sooner, but the Cork and Kerry at the Park opened last month at 33rd Street and Princeton Avenue in the former Jimbo's. It's the second location for the longtime Beverly/Mount Greenwood watering hole at 106th Street and Western Avenue. For more information, visit their website at http://www.corkandkerrychicago.com/.
 
Easy Go scoots to Blue Island
Easy Go Motor Scooters made the trek from Chicago's North Side to Blue Island recently and opened a shop at 12832 S. Western Ave. The store is a TN'G dealer, which sells 50cc and 150cc scooters made in China. The store will also service most Asian-brand motor scooters. For more information, call 708-371-5300 or visit their website at http://www.easygoscooters.com/.
 
Deal of the week
IHOP will give you three free meals just by going to Facebook, entering Pancake Revolution and following the links. Anyone who signs up will get a free meal for signing up, another one on their birthday and a third on the first anniversary of their signing up.

Senese's Winery closes in Oak Lawn

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

Senese’s Winery, an Oak Lawn restaurant since 1973, and its Barrel of Laughs comedy club, which has been serving up laughs since 1977, closed last week. The phone number has been disconnected and the web site has no listings for acts past July 3.

I’m not sure what prompted the decision, but the reader who tipped me to the closing said he heard one of the owners wanted to retire.


Handbag store closing

It’s Not There Bag is holding a store closing sale at 12707 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights. The store will remain open until its inventory is sold. The store carries replicas of designer handbags. The phone number is 708-388-0544.

Midwest Eye Center moves

Midwest Eye Center moved recently from Tinley Park into new digs on the upper floor at 19070 S. Everett Blvd. in Mokena. Midwest is one of the first businesses to move into the complex, which has languished with empty storefronts for years.

Qwest Diagnostics also recently moved into the complex.

Caged In reopens
The ultimate fighting store Caged In reopened Saturday at its new digs at 14478 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park. The store closed several weeks ago at its Tinley Park location. The phone number is 708-444-1703. Its web site is still http://www.cagedin.com/ and it has a Facebook fan page.

Concert deal of the week
Indie rock band Made Avail is playing at 8 p.m. Friday at the Apple Store inside Orland Square Mall. The band promises a full-blown concert.

At Palos Flowers and Gift Baskets, business is a family affair

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

It’s a family affair at Palos Flowers and Gift Baskets at 6511 ½ W. 127th St. in Palos Heights, which opened back in early May.

Co-owner Tina Smith has worked in the flower business for 26 years. Her husband, Brian Smith, has been doing it only since the shop opened in the former location of Heights Heritage Flowers, which closed last summer. Before that, he was a driver for the BP refinery in Whiting for 31 years.

Add in some children and in-laws and you have a family business extraordinaire.

“My wife has been arranging flowers for 26 years and we decided Palos Heights needed a local flower shop after Heights Heritage closed,” says Brian Smith explaining why he opened a flower shop after working for BP for three decades.

Smith says response has been great since they opened. “We have between 10 and 16 deliveries per day,” he says.

The store sells floral arrangements, invitations and gift baskets.

Top sellers, Smith says, are a vase arrangement called Fields of Europe and a birthday cake made out of flowers. His personal favorite (which he is pictured holding) is an arrangement that looks like an Appletini.
Palos Flowers hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call 708-923-1344 or visit their web site at http://www.palosflowersandgiftbaskets.com/.

K.T. Mae’s looks closedK.T. Mae’s, a sports bar at 20535 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort, appears to be closed.
Owners of nearby businesses in the Vineyards of Frankfort Plaza say K.T. Mae’s shut its doors last week, and a local chamber official also told me the tavern was closed.

The business, which lists its opening time as 11 a.m., was dark and not open when visited in the late afternoon this week and its phone went unanswered.

The tavern’s web site, which was operational earlier this year, now says it is under construction. A spokeswoman for the Vineyards said K.T. Mae’s still has a live lease and is not closed.
Meijer to open next week

Michigan-based Meijer is expected to open its new Orland Park store at 7 a.m. Tuesday at 15701 S. 71st Court (the old Value City department store). The new store at 115,000 square feet is one of two smaller prototypes the chain is trying out in the Chicago market. Meijer will have a drive-through pharmacy, food, general merchandise and seasonal merchandise.

TJ Grinders closes
TJ Grinders, a sandwich shop that became an unwitting participant in a crime drama two years ago, closed recently at 12250 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights. The 17-year-old girl said she was kidnapped after closing the store. She later admitted to making up the story.

Watch World Cup for free
Soccer fans can watch the 2010 World Cup championship game between Spain and the Netherlands for free at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Holiday Star Theater, 340 Main St. in Park Forest. Seats are first come for 100 people. To make reservations, call the theater at 708-283-9098.

State Treasurer candidates to square off at chamber luncheon in Tinley Park

By Bob Bong

Southland Savvy

State Treasurer hopefuls Democrat Robin Kelly and Republican Dan Rutherford will appear at a candidates forum in Tinley Park on Monday sponsored by the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly, a former state representative from Matteson, is chief of staff for Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, who is seeking President Obama’s former Senate seat.

Rutherford is a state Senator from Pontiac.

The forum will take place during the chamber’s regional consensus luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tinley Park Holiday Inn and Convention Center, 18501 S. Harlem Ave.

Reservations are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. For more information, call 708-956-6950 or visit http://www.chicagosouthland.com/.

Gino's East pizzeria closes in Orland Park

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

The economy has claimed another longtime Orland Park business with the recent closing of Gino’s East at 15840 S. Harlem Ave.

The restaurant has been struggling for some time and had cut back its hours in recent years.

Gino’s East said it will honor gift certificates and coupons issued by the Orland store at its other locations. The nearest Gino’s East eateries are in Naperville and Highland, Ind. For a complete list of open locations, visit http://www.ginoseast.com/

Just A Pizza closesAnother pizzeria that couldn’t make a go in this economy is Just A Pizza, 7108 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park, which closed recently after being open just about six months.

Mokena ribbon cuttingsTwo new businesses in Mokena will be having ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the next week.

Tiger Kwon’s Martial Arts will hold its ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday at 19813 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena, which is the second location for Tiger Kwon’s. There also is a dojo in New Lenox. For more information, visit http://www.tigerkwonkicks.com/.

Unwind Massage Therapy will do the honors at 5 p.m. next Thursday at 19054 Henry Drive in Mokena. For more information, visit http://www.unwindmylife.com/.

Both new businesses also have Facebook pages.

Simply Smokin’
The restaurant, which has been under renovation for months at 10211 W. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort, finally has a name. The former pancake house and Mexican restaurant is expected to open soon as Simply Smokin’ BBQ and Grill.

Now open
Six Essentials Integrative Health, a nontraditional health services office, opened recently at 11267 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. For more information, visit http://www.sixessentialshealth.com/.

Landmark Flooring, a flooring contractor, opened recently at 9501 W. 171st St. in Tinley Park. Phone number is 708-349-0011 or visit http://www.landmarkflooring.net/.

South Holland adds the blues to this year's Fourth of July celebration

By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy

South Holland has added its first ever blues concert to its 77th annual Independence Day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park this year.

Jamiah on Fire (pictured), a trio consisting of three boys ranging in age from 8 to 13, will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. Monday at the park at 160th Place and South Park Avenue with its Tribute to Jimi Hendrix.

“They are small boys with a big sound,” says promoter Cal Spencer, who urged the village to add a blues concert to the agenda this year. “The drummer is only 11 and he’s so small you can’t see him sitting behind the drums.”

Jamiah will be followed at 5:30 p.m. by Jimme J and the Hard Drive Blues Band, who Spencer calls the King of Indiana Blues.

“Both groups have tremendous followings and fans are sure to pack the park,” says Spencer.

The celebration kicks off Sunday with an outdoor worship service at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park presented by the South Holland Ministerial Association.

A full day of events at the park begins at 7 a.m. Monday with check-in for the Rib Fest Cook-Off, which begins at 7:30 a.m. at Veterans Park. Judging will take place at 11:45 a.m.

Prayer at the Gates starts at 8 a.m. with prayer services being held at all entrances to the village.

Other events include a farmer’s market starting at 10 a.m., a softball game at 1:30 p.m. between village employees and the ministerial association and a giant water balloon fight at 2:30 p.m.

The South Holland Municipal Band will play a selection of patriotic songs leading up to the fireworks show at 9:10 p.m.

Food from Home Plate Grill including burgers, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream and soft drinks will be available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information and a complete list of events and times, visit http://www.southholland.org/ and click on the community events tab.
Here's a video of Jamiah On Fire at Paris Delane's show, March 7, 2009 at The Morse Theater, Chicago.