More Restaurant Closings, DNC Decor, Asbestos At Theater: IL Business News

ILLINOIS — A struggling restaurant chain announced it's closing even more Illinois locations, while a suburban Office Depot is closing up shop.

Plus, asbestos mitigation is being done before the show can go on at a famous theater, and a local small business was tapped to help with the balloon drop at the Democratic National Convention.

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

More IL Red Lobster Restaurants Closing: Report

Almost two dozen more Red Lobster restaurants, including three in Illinois, will close in the coming days as part of the company's ongoing bankruptcy dealings. Several Illinois locations have already closed down.

'Pinch Me' Moment: Suburban Balloon Company Chosen To Decorate DNC

"We typically shy away from being involved with anything political, (but) this wasn’t something we were going to miss," she said. "I started my company in the basement of my house. To be a female-owned business in 2024, and to experience something like decorating for a national event, was mind-blowing for me."

Rialto Issues Update On Asbestos In Theater's Basement

The iconic theater will be closed until testing can be done, it said, adding: "We take this matter seriously and have taken the necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and guests. We have been in regular contact with the IEPA and have complied with their recommendations."

Office Depot Closing Suburban Location

Employees say the city's last big box office supply store is set to shutter in October.

Bakers Square Is Nothing But A Pile Of Rubble: Photos

The restaurant, a local staple for decades, closed more than five years ago. The city approved its demolition late last year, with plans for a new Starbucks in its location.

Plan For 2nd Yorky's Eatery In Suburb

A bigger dining room and kitchen are in the works, the restaurant said.