Gold-Flaked $250 Popcorn; Big Star Expansion Make Week's Top 5

In Chicago, news happens fast, making it easy to miss something.

That's why we're giving you a refresher regarding the North Side's top stories during the past week or so. Look for this new feature on Patch every Saturday. 

Demolition Planned for Dilapidated Building on Western (PHOTOS)

The Western Avenue business corridor is about to take a small step toward beautification as a major eyesore is slated for demolition.

The 2,000-square-foot former Laundromat at 4234 N. Western Ave. is about to be leveled, according to a City of Chicago building permit outlining the demolition. The permit was issued on March 25.

• Read the full story on North Center-Roscoe Village Patch. 

One of Wicker Park's most popular restaurants is making room for more.

Big Star taqueria, 1531 N. Damen Ave., is expanding its outdoor patio to a next-door parking lot, according to DNA Info, as well as leasing an adjacent 1,500-square-foot indoor space.

• See the full story on Bucktown-Wicker Park Patch.

$250 Gold-Flaked Popcorn Coming to Armitage Storefront

The concept for one local popcorn shop is pure gold—literally.

At 2008 N. Halsted Rear, Berco's Popcorn is temporarily operating out of the same window asInterurban Cafe & Pastry Shop. But a buildout in the adjacent storefront at 808 W. Armitage is officially under way, a company representative said on Wednesday. Lucky for Berco's, industry experts say the gourmet popcorn market has never looked more appetizing.

Among the company's offerings is a 1-gallon tin of "Billion Dollar Popcorn", which will run customers $250 a pop.

• Read the full story here on Lincoln Park Patch.

Burglars Hit 4 Homes in Lincoln Square: Crime Report

The Chicago Police Department's ClearMap website indicated this past week that four local homes were recently targetted by burglars. 

Here's a glimpse of reported crimes in the form of maps, graphs and tables.

• Read the full story on Lincoln Square Patch.

High-End Ice Cream Shop Rumored to Replace Safari Cup

Those looking to snag top-notch ice cream treats in Chicago might not have to wait much longer, because high-end Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream is rumored to open on Southport.

The store would not only be the only scoop shop in Chicago, but in all of Illinois. Thus far, the popular ice cream company only has 12 storefronts in Ohio and Tennessee, but sells pints everywhere from Whole Foods to Southport Grocery & Café.

• Read the full story on Lake View Patch.

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