Shaq's 'Big Chicken', Hospitals Sold, More Retail Closings: IL Business News

ILLINOIS — An NBA superstar is joining the Illinois restaurant scene, and it could be a slam dunk.

Plus, parents were shocked to find a local school had closed abruptly, and an iconic eatery with a loyal following is opening a new location.

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

Shaq Slam Dunking New Chicken Restaurant In Suburbs

It's the second Illinois location for the NBA legend. Big Chicken "fuses O'Neal's home-cooked childhood favorites with today's trending flavors."

Ascension To Sell 9 Illinois Hospitals, Multiple Nursing Homes

Ascension is selling nine hospitals in Illinois and four in other states to the California-based health system. The transaction, expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, is Prime's largest-ever acquisition and its first in Illinois.

3 IL Big Lots Stores Slated To Close Following Latest Earnings Report

Following a disappointing earnings report for its latest quarter, discount retail chain Big Lots has announced closures of stores across the country, including three in Illinois.

Entourage Opens New Location

An owner told Patch the new eatery will focus on from-scratch cuisine and creative cocktails, aiming to create "somewhere you can hang out daily."

WeatherTech Considers Private Equity Buyout: Report

The suburban company makes automotive accessories like heavy-duty floor mats, pet accessories and more. Locally, WeatherTech is also known for its Super Bowl ads.

Montessori School Closes Abruptly

Parents were left scrambling when the school abruptly closed on Friday as construction gets underway on a new apartment community.