Yachtsman's $3M Fraud Scheme | Retail Giant Closures| IL Business News

ILLINOIS — This week in Illinois business news, 10+ years of fraud schemes targeting north Suburban financiers; a retail giant shut down locations in Illinois; and Mega Millions lottery wins.

How much does it take to live comfortably in the Chicago area these days? It's much more than it's been previously.

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

• $132K Becomes New 'American Dream' Income For Chicago Residents
• 'Strange Circumstances' May Surround Fire At Illinois Diner
• Winning $344M Mega Millions Lottery Ticket Sold In IL
• Yachtsman Sentenced For $3M+ Fraud Scheme In North Suburbs
• Kohl's Closes Underperforming Stores In IL, See Where

Quote Of The Week

"There may be more to the story. I know the building was run down. It had a long history. ... That building had been a restaurant since the '50s." - Plainfield Mayor John Argoudelis

The Bottom Line

• Chicago car dealerships and repair shops are bracing for impact, as Trumps tariffs on imported vehicles and parts are expected to drive prices up.
• Gov. JB Pritzker this week vetoed a bill that aimed to provide protections for workers at large warehouse, saying it had legal and operational issues.

Freebie of the Week

On April Fools Day this year, many establishments are offering freebies including:

• Burger King - Royal Perks members get a free order of onion rings with any $1 purchase
• Cheesecake Factory - Those who sign up for Cheesecake Rewards by April 1 will receive a special sweet treat

More Restaurant News

Grand Re-Launch Party Celebrates Next Chapter Of Highland Park Brewery
Despite the recent name change to Steep Ravine Brewing Company, many of the features the community loves still shine.

Frankfort Chick-Fil-A Opens April 3
To celebrate its opening, Chick-fil-A Frankfort will honor 100 local heroes in the community with free Chick-fil-A for a year.

2 Restaurants Burglarized Overnight: Riverwoods PD Blotter
Police said the cases involving the businesses in the 2000 block of Milwaukee Avenue remain under investigation.

Customer Denied French Fries, Throws Rocks At Biz: Glenview PD Blotter
After the food was delivered, the person only paid $3 on a $6 bill, and the staff took the fries away, according to police.

4th New Restaurant Opens Within A Year In Downtown Aurora
"The transformation of downtown Aurora is mirrored throughout the entire city," a city official said.

Fire Causes Extensive Damage To Former Larry's Diner Building
The former restaurant was vacant at the time of the fire, officials said.

Brian Bessler: Joliet Area Bar & Restaurant Guide At 5 Years Strong
"I always stress that if you truly have a problem with a restaurant, call the manager," Brian Bessler remarked.

Sharks Fish & Chicken: Online Auction For Joliet Restaurant Nears
Perfectly situated 1,122-SF quick-service restaurant with supreme visibility at a signalized intersection, the LoopNet listing reads.

Sale Of Syl's Restaurant In Rockdale Complete: Business Permit Sought
Syl's abruptly closed in January 2023, two months after the death of Don "Duke" Williams, the owner, who died of a heart attack at age 52.

Plant Market Back At Tinley Park Brewery: Even More Plants, Vendors
The Plant Market artisan event is set for Saturday, April 5 from 12 to 5 p.m. at Soundgrowler Brewing.

More Business News

Village, Realty Company To Break Ground On 'Downtown Orland Park'
Officials on Thursday will mark the beginning of work on the multiphase development in Orland Park.

Store Burglarized; Items Stolen From Best Buy: Downers Grove Blotter
See which items were reported on the most recent crime blotter from the Downers Grove Police Department.

'Enhance Your Natural Beauty' At Haer Anel Studio In Glenview
The business, owned by Anel Arreola, recently opened on Waukegan Road.

Naperville Duo Used Knife To Rob Store, Tried To Rob Woman At ATM: PD
Police say Max Bosco, 26, and Emily Frasca, 24, used a knife to try to rob a woman at a Naperville ATM before robbing a store in Lisle.

Job Fair Planned April 9 At Lemont CORE
Admission to the event and both workshops are free to potential job seekers.

Lemont Community Garage Sale Planned For End Of April
You can register now with the park district to have your home listed in the online directory, which will be posted on April 23.

Man Steals Nearly $3K Guitar From Store: Arlington Heights PD Blotter
The theft occurred earlier this month at Guitar Center, according to police.

Saw Marks Found On Locks At Business: Buffalo Grove Police Blotter
The marks were discovered on the locking mechanism on a door of the business, according to police.

Immense Wellness & Med Spa Celebrates 1 Year In Glenview
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held at the Waukegan Road business to honor the milestone.

Group Of Masked Thieves Hit Up Liquor Store: Elk Grove Village PD
Preliminary information from a nearby camera shows 7 to 8 masked suspects entering the business and removing alcohol, according to police.

$600K Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At Lincolnshire Business
For selling the winning ticket, the business will receive a one percent bonus of the prize amount, or $6,000.

Kohl's Last Day Of Business In Plainfield Is Here
It's the last day to use any Kohl's Cash you might have accumulated at the store in Plainfield.

Hawk Auto Dealership Gets Reapproved After IDOT Delay
The new and used car dealership is moving its Volkswagen and Cadillac businesses from Joliet to Plainfield.

SXU Offers New AI, Cybersecurity, Finance, Business Analytics MBAs
Saint Xavier University's new MBAs will be offered starting Fall 2025, in partnership with Rize Education.

Sertoma Releases 2025 Super Housewares Sale Shopping Guide
Sertoma's super sale fundraiser features 1,000s of new home products from the Inspired Home Show, at steep discounts March 29 and March 30.

Donation Scam Outside Hinsdale Store
The suspects asked a person for credit card information, police said.

$200,800 To Bail Out Struggling Downtown Joliet Businesses: City Hall
Mayor D'Arcy and City Manager Beth Beatty raised property taxes, allowing Joliet to use funds to help downtown businesses amid construction.