Business & Tech

Iconic Dairy Sale, Barnes & Noble Opens, Big Lotto Win: IL Business News

Plus: "Trolley beer" collab, long-anticipated restaurant opening, and a beloved ice cream shop is a Route 66 legend.

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ILLINOIS — Weeks after an iconic Illinois ice cream business announced its bankruptcy, a judge signed off on the $21.25 million sale of "the most trusted name in dairy and beyond."

Plus, a local business canceled an event over safety concerns, a big-name bookstore is opening a much-anticipated new location and a local store sold a winning lottery ticket that still hasn't been claimed, a year later — and time is running out.

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Here's a look at some of Illinois Patch's top business stories:

Judge Approves Purchase Of Bankrupt Oberweis Dairy By Private Equity Firm

At this week's hearing, a judge approved the deal, which is now expected to close June 17. If it does not, a backup bid could be accepted. The dairy has more than 40 ice cream shops.

Find out what's happening in Across Illinoisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

New Barnes & Noble Opening Date Set

It's been 17 years since Barnes and Noble had a location near Kendall County, according to the CEO of the book retailer. "We can't wait for this store to quickly become a focal point in the community for families, friends, and book lovers," the company said.

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$450,000 Still Unclaimed From Winning Ticket Sold A Year Ago

Whoever's got the ticket has three weeks to claim the nearly half-million dollar prize before it expires.

Brewers Put Heads Together In 'Trolley Beer' Collaboration

Brewers from four spots drew inspiration from the Ale Trail Trolley, an experience that runs Wednesday nights.

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Beloved Business Owner To Open Cookie-Centric Bakery

A decade after opening up a popular local business, the owner is expanding to focus on cookies, writing, "Don't worry. The Cheesecake Store isn't going anywhere. I just need more room to bake and experiment with new flavors and ideas!"

Design Tweaks Delay Hog Wild Opening, But It's Coming Soon

Despite a delay, Hog Wild is still coming. It's taking a bit longer than hoped, but work on the new location is progressing, and it will be worth the wait, the owner promises.

John Ferak/Patch

Ice Cream Shop Sells Banana Splits, Turtle Sundaes, 'Dirt Cups' For Nearly 50 Years

The co-owner has worked there since the ice cream shop opened — when he was 15 — in 1977. Now, more than four decades and one name change later, it remains a Route 66 icon.

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