Tourist Wins $3M | Distilleries Challenge Liquor Law | Creditor Must Pay $1.2B

ILLINOIS — This week in Illinois business news, a tourist leaves Chicago with $3 million; a major creditor ordered to pay $12 billion for misclassified cards; and an ex-worker sentenced for hiding his boss' body.

Additionally, local craft distilleries say the state's outdated laws limit the ability to get spirits to consumers that want them.

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

• Local Craft Distilleries Challenge IL Law To Expand Product Sales
• Discover Required To Pay $1.2B For Overcharging Merchants: FDIC
• Out-Of-State Visitor Buys Winning $3M Illinois Lottery Ticket
• Ex-Gas Station Worker Sentenced For Hiding Boss' Body Outside Gustos
• Trump Administration Takes New Action On IL Student Loan Borrowers
• Walgreens Agrees To Pay $350M For Unlawful Prescriptions Like Opioids

Quote Of The Week

"When I got back to the hotel and checked it, I saw that I’d won the jackpot — over $3 million! It was a moment of shock and awe, and I completely froze." - Chicago visitor who won IL Lottery

The Bottom Line

• Illinois is weighing a possible boycott against El Salvador in response to the country's cooperation with the Trump administration.
• Illinois was among a dozen states to sue the Trump administration in an attempt to stop its tariff policy.

Freebie of the Week

Every Friday, fast-food chain Wendy's offers customers with the Wendy's app a free order of fries of any size with a purchase.

More Restaurant News

Danny's Pizza Owed More Than $163K In Unpaid Rent: Promenade

An eviction order was issued against the pizza and burger bar, the Promenade said. The restaurant announced it's closing April 27.

Pony Rides + Petting Zoo At North Shore Restaurant's Derby Bonanza

Fatpour Tap Works is hosting a Kentucky Derby watch party that will include restaurant specials, pony rides and a petting zoo.

New Starbucks Opens Along Randall Road

The Starbucks will be located near the CVS at Randall and Ackman roads.

2 IL Pizzerias Named Among The World's Best

A total of 550 eateries, most of them from Italy, competed in the International Pizza Challenge.

New Steakhouse To Open At The Boulevard Place

The restaurant will join Costco and a soon-to-open Cooper’s Hawk Winery at the development.

French Restaurant Planned For Hinsdale

It would replace a Mexican eatery. Among the changes would be a breakfast menu, its owner said.

Another Darien Gas Station To Sell Beer, Wine

The station also plans to remove its car wash to make way for an "enhanced mini-mart."

Deep Sea Boba To Open In Joliet, Are You Surprised By This Location?

Come dive into the experience and let the waves of flavor take you on a delicious deep-sea journey, the Deep Sea Boba website proclaims.

Tio's Donuts Generates Huge Crowd For Joliet Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

This week marked the opening of the new Tio's Donuts in Joliet. It's located at 125 Collins Street in the same strip mall as Subway.

What Will Replace MyGrain Brewing In Joliet? City Gives Update

Joliet's economic development specialist Emily McGuire hosted a tour on Wednesday showcasing the empty MyGrain Brewing Company location.

New Joliet Ice Cream Shop: 32 Different Flavors, Yogurts, Smoothies

If you know where Niko's Pizzeria's is located, the new La Michoacana will be easy to find. It's in the shopping plaza on Ohio Street.

Freebie For National Pretzel Day With Local Auntie Anne's Food Truck

The New Lenox-based food truck will park at Hickory Creek Brewing from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Opening Date Set For Tinley Park Chick-fil-A

The location at 162nd and Harlem is set to open Thursday, April 24.

More Business News

New Mariachi Showroom In Aurora Is 'More Than Just A Retail Space'

The showroom is intended to be a "cultural hub ... and connect families and musicians through music, tradition, and community."

Elmhurst Firm Scammed By Fake ComEd Rep: Cops

In another case, workers at a local restaurant said a door window broke while they were working.

Gaylord Building Receives Innovation Award

The Gaylord Building received the award for its exhibit about the Lockport fire of 1895.

Whole Foods Update: When Will The St. Charles Grocery Store Open?

No exact opening date has been announced, yet, but officials say it should be soon.

Bankruptcy-Seeking Hinsdale Wash Made Millions Last Year

A 14-year-old boy was killed in a 2023 crash at the business. His family sued.

6 Inflatable Rats Visit Shorewood's Newest Business Under Construction

Mark Micetich, president of Laborers Local 75, was one of several union members on hand to protest Rosemont general contractor Apex.

Employee, 18, Started Fires In Bathrooms Of Amazon Building: Monee PD

The three fires were set late Monday night, police said.