News in Evanston
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…
Why Base Power is betting on local backyards
On a block in central Evanston, a steel-gray box the size of an air conditioner now sits in Jordan McClure’s backyard. It may not look like much, but it represents a growing trend in how local households store and use electricity. The unit on McClure’s property is a battery from…
NLRB blocks Saint Francis union vote out of concern for free and fair election
The National Labor Relations Board’s Region 13 office in Chicago has blocked the originally scheduled Sept. 17 union election at Saint Francis Hospital. The move follows allegations from the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), part of National Nurses United, that a free…
Mexican fast-casual restaurant Talkin’ Tacos to take over Guzman y Gomez location, plans to expand into Chicago
Another Mexican fast-casual restaurant has hit downtown. Talkin’ Tacos, a Florida-based chain with locations along the East Coast, is planning to open a new location in the former Guzman y Gomez spot, 1710 Sherman Ave. Talkin’ Tacos also told the RoundTable it plans to expand…
Owner of popular dog care business feels spurned by city’s ‘dismissive’ attitude to her funding request
Rex’s Place, a combination dog daycare/training, boarding and sports arena, has been a part of the Fifth Ward since 2010, well before the business and warehouse portion of the ward began seeing a resurgence as the newly dubbed Ashland Arts District. With support from prominent…
Madigan’s Guitar Works will take over former Davis Shoe and Luggage Repair location
Madigan’s Guitar Works, a guitar repair and lessons shop run by Guitar Works’ former repair head, will take over the space previously occupied by Davis Shoe and Luggage Repair at 1608 Maple Ave. The shoe and luggage repair shop closed earlier in 2026 when owner Paco Villagomez…