Mega Merger Gets Undone | $1M Lotto Win | Bistro Comes Back From The Brink

ILLINOIS — This week in Illinois business news, a community bands together to stop a beloved bistro from closing; the end of a 10-year mega merger; and the state's newest millionaire.

Additionally, students and athletes across the state can score a free burrito or bowl every Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Guzman Y Gomez locations starting this week through November.

Check out this week's top headlines for Illinois business news on Patch:

• $1M Powerball Ticket Was Sold In IL Suburb
• 'The Community Saved Gaston's': Bistro Owner Grateful For Support That Kept Doors Open
• Kraft Heinz Undoes Blockbuster Merger After A Decade Of Changing Tastes
• 'Friday Night Lights': Buy 1, Get 1 Burrito Deal Returns At IL Restaurants For Football Season

The Bottom Line

• A Chicago alderman blocked a group of former Chicago police officers from opening up a marijuana dispensary on the North Side this week.

• A WalletHub study ranked the best and worst Illinois cities to retire in, based on factors like healthcare and affordability.

Deal of the Week

National Teddy Bear Day is celebrated on Sept. 9 every year, and Build-A-Bear is expected to offer special deals to celebrate the holiday. Last year, the toy company offered $9 bears. Sign up to get notified when this year's deal drops.

More Restaurant News

4th Annual Taste Of Lockport Features Local Favorites
The family-friendly event will be held from 5 to 10:30 p.m. in downtown Lockport on Hamilton Street in front of City Hall on Sept. 20.

New Mediterranean Restaurant Opens In Homer Glen
The Village celebrated a ribbon cutting at Char & Coal last week.

Tap House Grill In Algonquin Closes Its Doors
The restaurant at 1508 S. Randall Road in Algonquin has permanently closed its doors, the business announced Tuesday.

Plainfield Portillo's Will Be Company's 4th Pick-Up-Only Location
"Our pick-up only format has been an in-fill strategy for us to build out our existing markets," the company said Wednesday.

Shuttered Combo Fast Food Outposts To Reopen As Standalone Taco Bells: Reports
The KFC and Taco Bell locations that closed in Sandwich and Yorkville will reopen as standalone Taco Bell restaurants, according to reports.

Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Rolls Into Hills Farmers Market Friday At Hickory Hills City Hall
Stop by the Hills Farmers Market Friday, Sept. 5, to see the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile.

Darien Explains $444 Meal At Restaurant
An alderman pointed out the expenditure in case residents had questions.

Elmhurst Coffee Shop Set To Open This Fall
The owner plans to be creative with its astrological theme.

Joliet Aurelio's Closes Dining Room For Major Remodeling: Here's When It Will Reopen
Luke Pascale sold his Aurelio's Pizza restaurant in Joliet's Twin Plaza on West Jefferson Street. The new owners are renovating it now.

New Lenox Restaurant Week 2025: 26 Spots Participating
Check out the offerings and deals from businesses participating in New Lenox Restaurant Week 2025.

Lao Sze Chuan Aims To Reopen This Fall In Downers Grove
Lao Sze Chuan is temporarily closed amid efforts to repair damage from a car that hit the building. Its owners aim to reopen by October.

2 New Restaurants Set To Come To Yorktown Center
The restaurants are slated to open in Fall 2025.

More Business News

VASA Fitness Coming To Romeoville
The location will go in the old Dominick's building.

Konow's Corn Maze Opens For The Season On Sept. 20
Konow's offers hay rides, the cow train express, concessions, corn maze and more.

Where To Pick Apples Around Chicagoland: 2025 Guide
Check out Patch's annual guide to all the top spots for apple picking in and around the area.

New 'Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration' Store Coming Soon
The second location in Frankfort will support Orland Park nonprofit Bridge Teen Center with unique retail experience.

'Community-First' Running Company Opens 2 Stores In Glenview
Runner's Republic and 3rd Coast Lyfestyle, both owned by Matthew Abitbol, are located at The Glen Town Center.

Lisle Hopes New Developer Will Revitalize Family Square Site
In 2022, then-Mayor Christopher Pecak had vetoed a motion for a $10.5 million TIF plan for the site.