Panera Expands into Neighboring Storefront

More room for bread bowls: The Panera Bread at 439 N. La Grange Road is spreading out. I stopped in Thursday morning and saw the big-time renovations as it merges with the storefront next door. The manager couldn't tell me when the work will be done, but from the looks of things, it won't be long. Large boxes of furniture filled the center of the space.

Green up your business over lunch: The La Grange Rotary Club hosts author Blair Gifford for a lunchtime talk about his book, "A Simple Path to Sustainability: Green Business Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses." Lunch starts at 1 p.m. Friday at Bella Bacino's, 36 S. La Grange Road in La Grange, and costs $16. Call Linda Yates at 708-404-3068 for more information.

Get outside, already: It's going to be in the mid 70s and sunny this weekend, according to Weather.com. So pack a picnic, head out for mini golf or take in an outdoor concert. Whatever you do, don't squander the sunshine.