The Biz Week That Was: Family hardware store closes, alfresco dining to return, and immersive gaming coming soon
Ziegler’s Ace Hardware on Elgin’s west side closing after 44 years
After 44 years on Elgin’s west side, the owners of Ziegler’s Ace Hardware on Lillian Street have announced the store will close. Adam Ziegler, company president and the fourth generation of his family in the hardware business, said the location “hadn’t been profitable for a while.”
Teaching practical skills: Wheeling robotics company to open manufacturing incubator in Mundelein
A Wheeling robotics company plans to expand by opening a facility in Mundelein. ICR247 intends to take over more than 10,200 square feet of space in the village-owned Archer Business Center, 165 N. Archer Ave. The current ICR247 operation at 311 Egidi Drive in Wheeling will remain open.
Mount Prospect will renew Prospect Avenue alfresco experience
Pleased with the results of last summer’s alfresco dining pilot program on Prospect Avenue, Mount Prospect will renew the program this year. Mount Prospect Community Development Director Jason Shallcross said it will run from the beginning of May until the end of September.
Fox River Grove looks to lock down developer for Block B; Lord of Beers tap house to open
Fox River Grove’s plans for residential and commercial growth are underway as the village announced a developer for the recently demolished Block B site and completes construction on rental homes near Route 22.
Nordstrom Rack opening at Randall Square in Geneva
Nordstrom Rack will open to shoppers on March 13 at Randall Square in Geneva. Announced in 2024 to occupy part of the former Bed Bath and Beyond store, Nordstrom Rack will occupy 25,000 square feet in a shopping center that includes Marshall’s, Michael’s, Old Navy, PetSmart and Ulta.
Activate gaming facility brings fast-paced team games to Naperville
Naperville residents soon will be able to experience a video game-like live play environment when Activate opens in a nearly 12,000-square-foot space in the Fox River Commons shopping center at 704 Route 59. The tentative opening date is March 21.
Latin Grammy winner brings traditional Mexican flavors to Aurora with new restaurant
Latin Grammy Award-winner Memo Ibarra, lead singer of the music group Alacranes Musical, has opened a new business venture in his hometown Aurora. Menudazo, at 1146 Front St., specializes in authentic traditional Mexican soups. The menu spotlights menudo, a soup made with cow tripe in a savory chili pepper base, as well as posole, a rich and flavorful soup featuring pork.