The Biz Week That Was: Harry Potter store opens, data centers as cash cows, legislation on developer impact fees
With a magical ‘swish and flick,’ Harry Potter store debuts on Michigan Avenue
For decades, devoted Harry Potter fans have had to accept the fact that Hogwarts is fictional. But the magic comes to life for anyone able to visit Chicago’s new addition to the fandom, with attention to detail that can make you forget you’re not actually in London. Doors opened Thursday to the Harry Potter Shop Chicago at 676 N. Michigan Ave.
Elk Grove mayor touts data centers as cash cows for local government
Soon to begin an unprecedented eighth term in office, Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson on Thursday touted the benefits of data center developments to the town — the self-proclaimed “data center capital of the Midwest” — because of what they mean for local government coffers.
Restaurant campus on target for spring 2026 opening in Schaumburg near Woodfield
At least seven restaurant tenants including Lazy Dog, Cava, Piccolo Buco and Naansense are expected to start moving into the 7.4-acre Crossroads of Schaumburg development at the northwest corner of Golf and Meacham roads in October following its groundbreaking this week.
Legislation introduced as promised by state lawmakers to untie the hands of Mundelein village officials allowing towns to impose fees to help schools cover costs of mega-developments has been approved in the Illinois House.
Mount Prospect improving look at village, business park entrances
Mount Prospect is creating a “friendlier” look at its entrances to the downtown and the south end, as well as its business park.
Rolling Meadows restaurant temporarily closing for rebrand
A Central Asian restaurant in Rolling Meadows that opened to much fanfare in late 2023 is now temporarily closed for renovations into a new concept, officials said. Jannat Restaurant served Central Asian, Turkish and European cuisine at 2997 Kirchoff Road. The ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to the United States and Canada and the Kyrgyzstan Consul General in Chicago joined local officials for a ribbon cutting on Nov. 30, 2023.
Squire Ale House offers something old, something new to diners in Campton Hills
After months and months of promising to be open “next month,” Squire Ale House finally welcomed its first guests to the Campton Hills restaurant a few weeks ago. It’s a new concept for the suburban Karas Restaurant Group, which includes multiple locations each of the Village Squire, Rookie’s and Alexander’s Cafe, as well as Old Republic, Rookie’s Rochaus and Squire on the Square restaurants.