Cook County 4-H Fair on Saturday

cook county fair 2022

By Bob Bong Did you know that Cook County has a county fair? That’s right, the same kind of county fair we are all aware of with projects by members of the Cook County 4-H, a parade of clubs, and even a livestock judging. The Cook County Fair was moved to Toyota Park in Bridgeview…

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Rainbow Cone goes mobile with summer locations

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By Bob Bong Venerable Rainbow Cone in recent years has stretched its reach beyond the Beverly neighborhood where it has ruled as the premier ice cream destination for almost a century. Brick-and-mortar locations can now be found in Lombard, Darien, Lakemoor and Skokie. In addition, the company began experimenting with mobile sales in 2020 when…

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Comings & Goings: Duke’s opens new drive-in Mokena 

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By Bob Bong Duke’s Drive-In Mokena held its grand opening last month and a huge crowd of fans showed up to greet Bill Humphrey upon the return. Upwards of 100 cars packed the parking lot on June 17 behind the restaurant at 19990 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena and the adjoining parking lot of Belle…

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Comings & Goings: Dukes to finally re-open, in Mokena

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By Bob Bong When Dukes Drive-In closed its longtime home in Bridgeview in 2019 to make way for a Panera Bread, people wanted to know where the restaurant would be relocating and how soon before it was open again. There were all kinds of rumors. None came true. Until now. Dukes Drive-In will be reopening…

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Comings & Goings: Square Celt Ale House closes in Orland Park

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By Bob Bong The popular Square Celt Ale House in Orland Park announced last week the property had been sold and the restaurant was closing, effective immediately. The closing announcement was posted on social media. Restaurant owner Vaughn Hospitality said it would be reaching out to clients who had booked events or made reservations. It…

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Owner dispels rumors of Royalberry closing 

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By Bob Bong  Frank Salman, owner of Royalberry Waffle House and Restaurant in Palos Heights, has a simple message:  “We’re not closed!”  Salman said rumors have been rampant in the area that his restaurant of 17 years suddenly closed at the corner of 127th Street and Ridgeland Avenue.  “We are not closed. We are going strong,”…

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Experienced bakers buy The Great American Bagel in Palos Heights

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New owners nearly double the menu for breakfast, lunch   By Cosmo Hadac When The Great American Bagel’s shop in Palos Heights changed hands late last year, the new owners who walked in the door weren’t exactly new. Manny Rios Sr. and his wife, Silvia, have nearly 50 years of combined experience in the bagel…

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