Once Mighty Mall Closes | Coveted Collectible Giveaway | NASCAR Races Return

ILLINOIS — This week in Illinois business news, a community is mourning the closure of a once-booming mall; NASCAR is headed back to the Chicagoland in 2026; and a local chef looks to connect the North Shore through inventive food.

Additionally, a local bubble tea shop generated buzz by offering a giveaway for a collectible doll at the center of a worldwide toy craze.

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

• Ice Cream Shop Owner Secretly Recorded Underage Female Employees With Fake Wall Outlet: Police
• As Iconic Mall Faces End, Nostalgia Grows For Former Shopping Mecca Of Southwest Side
• NASCAR Returning To Chicagoland Speedway For 2026
• NovaTea Celebrates Opening On Sunday With Labubu Giveaway
• Field-To-Fork Collaboration Brings Two North Shore Communities Together

The Bottom Line

• Midway International Airport is getting a $35 million upgrade that aims to ensure the airport operates safely, efficiently, and reliably.
• Governor JB Pritzker signed two bills aimed at creating safeguards for cryptocurrency and other digital assets.

Deal of the Week

In honor of National Banana Split Day Monday, Aug. 25, one Chicagoland ice cream shop has committed to giving away 100 free banana splits to its first 100patrons.

More Restaurant News

Jack In The Box Opens In Lake In The Hills
A Jack in the Box has opened at 320 N. Randall Road in Lake in the Hills.

New Restaurant Showcases '3 Cuisines Under One Roof' In Glenview
The Clove Indian and Nepali Cuisine, which recently opened on Waukegan Road, features authentic Indian, Nepali, and Indo-Chinese dishes

What's Happening To Old Elmhurst Restaurant Building?
A business is remodeling the building at a key Elmhurst intersection.

Darien-Area Chain Restaurant Closes
The eatery served customers "one bowl at a time," the owner said.

Oberweis Ice Cream Opens First Shop In 5 Years In Winnetka
The nearly 100-year-old ice cream brand is opening its first Winnetka shop this month.

More Business News

Auto Body Repair Shop Concept Plan Approved In Lockport
Crash Champions currently operates a facility on Archer Avenue, but has outgrown its current location.

Fresh Produce Pop-Up Planned In Romeoville
The event will offer free fresh produce, as well as information about local food resources.

Libertyville Joins Growing Number Of Towns With Local Grocery Tax
A 1% grocery sales tax will continue in the village once the state tax is repealed.

Goebbert's Farm Announces Fall Fest Opening Dates
The Pingree Grove location will open this weekend while the South Barrington Goebbert's plans to open on Sept. 6.

'Largest Ever Organized' Christkindlmarket Will Return For 4th Winter In Aurora
Aurora will host the only Christkindlmarket outside of Chicago this holiday season.

Homewood Farmers Market Expands And Celebrates Seniors With Free Ice Cream
Shoppers aged 55 and older will get a free scoop. Browse more vendors, ready-to-eat food options. First 50 seniors get free tote bag.

10 Can’t Miss Outdoor Events In Illinois As Summer Winds Down
Escape the "end-of-the-summer-scaries" with these outdoor events coming up in the Chicagoland.

Blues Brothers Mark 45th Anniversary, Now You Can Watch Movie At Old Joliet Prison
Moviegoers can also expect a variety of special merchandise, local culinary favorites from food trucks and plentiful beverages.