News across Cook County
Space to Place market kicks off this weekend in Bookman’s Alley
Retail incubator and pop-up program Space to Place kicks off this weekend, bringing local Evanston businesses that don’t have brick-and-mortar locations to one of downtown Evanston’s vacant storefronts in Bookman’s Alley, 1712 Sherman Ave. “The whole idea is to begin the process…
Two years old and three times the size
Dozens of people fill Animal Records as the store celebrates its second anniversary and grand reopening. The vintage record (and CDs) store moved to a new space at 620 Grove St., which is almost three times its original space next door. “I think people want a place to hang out,…
Mexican restaurant Boca Brava plans to take over half of former Reza’s space
A new Mexican restaurant called Boca Brava, which means “brave mouth” or “fierce mouth” in Spanish, plans to take over part of the former Reza’s Restaurant and Lounge space at 1557 Sherman Ave. Reza’s closed in May 2025. Owner Carlos Arechiga, 31, has signed a lease for the…
Lolo’s Bowls acai and smoothie shop plans to open in early November
A new acai and smoothie shop, Lolo’s Bowls, plans to open in downtown Evanston the first week of November, store manager Kristen Beaudoin said. This will be the fourth location of the growing family-run acai chain. Founder Lauren “Lolo” Schick and her mother, Darlene “Dolly”…
Bookends & Beginnings children’s manager seeks out the unusual in books for kids, young adults
Adrien Sdao manages the children’s section at Bookends & Beginnings, 1620 Orrington Ave., and radiates enthusiasm for books for young people. Sdao has been a bookseller for 12 years and arrived at Bookends a year and a half ago. He said from an early age he found books to be a…
Cooking with heart: A first look at the new Soul & Smoke
When a chef is cooking with their whole heart, you can taste it on the plate. D’Andre Carter cooks like every dish means something personal to him. You can taste his intention; you can taste the history. His food feels truly lived in, not merely inhabited. Listen: Great food…
New Evanston record shop puts Chicago house music front and center
In what will likely be music to the ears of house fans, Evanston will soon be getting another record store this fall, with a heavy emphasis on one of Chicago’s own creations. Although an official opening day has not been announced, E-Town Records will be located at 2601 Prairie…
Committee backs a half-price deal on the cost of outdoor dining permits
Evanston’s Economic Development Committee backed a proposal Wednesday to slash costs in half for outdoor dining cafe permits, in an effort to draw more businesses into the program and activate the city’s business districts. EDC members voted unanimously in support of a one-year…
Wells Fargo opens downtown branch, provides $25,000 grant to Reba Place Development Corporation
The new branch of Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Evanston officially opened Thursday, Sept. 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $25,000 grant to Reba Place Development Corporation, a nonprofit that works to provide stable, affordable housing for diverse communities. We depend…
Trophy Pet ribbon cutting celebrates new boutique in town
Trophy Pet hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday for its new pet boutique at 624 Grove St. in downtown Evanston. The pet shop has welcomed customers since its soft launch in July, offering a curated selection of pet toys, accessories, pet parent apparel,…
Soul & Smoke’s art-filled interior offers own nourishment
The new full-service Soul & Smoke restaurant opened in the Fifth Ward in early September, and a full First Look at the food and drinks is coming soon. But I was so wowed by the interior’s vibrant artwork that it deserves its own review. This transformation of Soul & Smoke from…
Guest essay: 1st Ward councilmember says struggling local businesses need help now
It’s time for me to share something important: Over the past weeks, multiple Evanston small business owners have reached out to me to say that they are near their breaking point. Our small, independent businesses are the backbone of Evanston’s local economy. They create the vibe…