Water Park Sold, Cooper's Hawk Opens, Store Closings: IL Business News

ILLINOIS — From the sale of the state's largest water park to a major bowling alley chain to a new business up for grabs, a woman-owned business success story and a big bakery merger, it was a busy week for business news in Illinois.

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

Largest Water Park In IL Bought By Bowlero: Report

Raging Waves is home to 32 water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, private cabanas and more spread across 58 acres. The water park will celebrate 17 years this summer.

Cooper's Hawk Winery Opens Newest Location

It marks the company's 61st "upscale casual restaurant," and plans could be in the works for another new suburban location.

Another Retailer Closing All Illinois Locations

An out-of-business sale is happening now.

Jarosch Bakery Announces Merger

Jarosch Bakery, established in 1959, is a family-run bakery specializing in cookies, cakes and doughnuts. It's merging with a Chicago bakery that has roots going back to the 1930s.

New Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: Want To Own It?

A former Arby's restaurant is being redeveloped into a Freddy's — and it's for sale! The restaurant property will cost $2.67 million and a total of 25,848 vehicles are passing directly in front of the property every day, according to the listing on LoopNet.

The Hijab Vault Opens 2nd Location

"I had no intention of really opening up a store because, for me, I was putting all of my focus on online," the owner told Patch. "But it just really hit off, so I was managing both online and brick-and-mortar." After the business reopened to in-person sales after closures associated with the coronavirus pandemic, online sales dwindled but in-store purchases "skyrocketed," an expansion was needed.

ALDI Slashes Prices On 100s of Summer Items At Chicago-Area Stores

“ALDI is always looking for ways to help customers save money, but with more experts warning of persistent inflation, the time was right to deliver even greater discounts on our already low prices for the second year in a row,” ALDI US President Dave Rinaldo said. “We don’t want food prices to hold people back from getting together with friends and family or spending time outdoors this season.”

Pawn Shop Proliferation Prevented As Suburb Eliminates Unused License

"None of the businesses are doing anything wrong. They're all in conformance and compliance with our codes," the community development director said. "However, there has been interest from time to time for people operating other stores in other places, which makes it more challenging when you have a few more of them."

Chicago Area Brewers Score Awards At World Beer Cup

Widely regarded as the “Olympics of Beer,” the World Beer Cup is the largest beer competition in the world.

UNIKOKO Offering Bubble Tea, Coconut Jelly, More

UNIKOKO, which opened in early April, offers dozens of types of bubble teas and an assortment of desserts.