New DeKalb area businesses that opened in 2024

DeKALB – The city of DeKalb has seen a slew of new businesses enter its corporate limits in 2024.

Among the new establishments in town are retail shops, restaurants, speciality stores and more. Here is a look at some of the latest arrivals to the DeKalb business scene from 2024:

SommsVintage

SommsVintage, where vintage clothing is kept heavy in rotation, first opened its doors to customers in late October.

Owner Jordan Sommers said he decided to set up a physical storefront for his business after having given eBay a try.

Located at 866 W. Lincoln Highway, Store 16, the establishment strives to keep plenty of items in stock, such as jerseys, vintage crew necks and Carhartt jackets.

Exclusive Heat

A new shop in town dubbed, Exclusive Heat, known for lacing up patrons with the latest in streetwear fashion and sneakers, made DeKalb its home at 2211 Sycamore Road.

In June, the store’s staff hosted a grand opening celebration, according to a social media announcement.

For information, call 708-359-5298 or visit exclusiveheatinc.com.

McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s Deli opened this past fall in a former White Castle restaurant at 1602 Sycamore Road.

According to its website, McAlister’s Deli is known for its sandwiches, soups, salads, spuds and more.

The fully renovated spot operates from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

The establishment not only offers patrons dine-in service but also delivery, catering and window-side pickup.

For information, visit mcalistersdeli.com.

NuEra Cannabis

NuEra Cannabis, the city of DeKalb’s latest cannabis dispensary to set up shop in town, had some help from a former NFL star in introducing itself to the community.

During its grand opening celebration in May, the establishment welcomed Chicago Bears legend and brand founder for Revenant Cannabis Jim McMahon to partake in some festivities.

NuEra Cannabis, 818 W. Lincoln Highway, Space 7, makes for the second of two dispensaries to locate in the city’s corporate limits. Excelleaf opened at 305 E. Locust St. in downtown DeKalb in November 2023.

NuEra Cannabis district manager Ashley Camden previously said it is easy to separate NuEra from the competition.

“NuEra is loud and proud,” Camden said. “We are very much colorful – our accessory assortment, our agents. We love the authenticity of our team and each of its members. We have the high level of customer service, but we love that our culture is very important to us. [It’s about] being very inclusive, very diverse, very fun. Just being unique.”

For information, visit nueracannabis.com.

Hidden Treasures & More

A new gift shop dubbed, Hidden Treasures & More, set up shop in the city’s downtown in April.

The establishment, 143 E. Lincoln Highway, is run and operated by two sisters Josie and Oralia Gonzalez.

Josie Gonzalez previously said she is excited about her new business venture.

“We will have curated items [and] one-of-a-kind type things,” Josie Gonzalez said. “We are hoping to draw in a couple of local makers and crafters to showcase their items also. But for the most, it’ll be unique things that once we sell out, we may not restock them again. … If you see it and you’re going to go home and think about it, by the time you come back, it may not be there anymore.”

The store’s hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed Sunday and Monday.

Smoothie King

Smoothie King began its reign this past fall as the go-to source for smoothies, smoothie bowls, refreshers and more.

Located at 1015 W. Lincoln Highway, Unit B, the establishment joined a plaza that already is home to Starbucks and Baba’s Steak & Lemonade near Northern Illinois University campus.

Other nearby Smoothie King locations include those in Downers Grove, Westmont, two in Naperville, New Lenox and Belvidere.

Smoothie King operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

For information, visit smoothieking.com.

Seance at Tiffany’s

Seance at Tiffany’s, a new metaphysical boutique, settled into its new spot in town at 150 E. Lincoln Highway in February.

Owners Randi Lockhart and Shari Potter are sisters-in-law.

The shop treats patrons to an array of metaphysical offerings, including anything from skin care and candles to crystals, spell kits, tarot guidance and tarot readings. The boutique also performs permanent make-up services around eyebrows, eyeliner and freckles, in addition to scar camouflage and scalp micro pigmentation.

Seance at Tiffany’s is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

For information, visit seanceattiffanys.com.

Nami Ramen

Nami Ramen, 913 S. Annie Glidden Road, became one of the latest additions to the DeKalb restaurant scene this past spring.

On its menu, Nami Ramen offers ramen, stir-fried ramen, yaki rice, donburi, milk tea, fresh fruit tea, yakult and more, according to its website.

The restaurant also provides its patrons with dine-in, carryout and delivery service.

The establishment is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Nami Ramen is closed on Monday.

For information, visit namiramen.com.

Ollie’s Good Stuff Cheap

Ollie’s Good Stuff Cheap, 2350 Sycamore Road, opened its doors to patrons in DeKalb this past summer.

Ollie’s Good Stuff Cheap strives to offer brand name merchandise at up to 70% off the full retail price, according to its website.

With stores in Aurora, Streamwood, Crystal Lake and Rockford, DeKalb made for the national discount retailer’s 11th location in Illinois.

For information, visit ollies.us.

Baba’s Famous Steak & Lemonade

Baba’s Famous Steak & Lemonade prides itself on having something for everyone.

The establishment, 1015 W. Lincoln Highway, opened this past summer in a plaza now occupied by Starbucks and Smoothie King.

On its menu, Baba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade offers gyros, burgers, hot dogs and more, according to its website.

Among the items that Baba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade is most well-known for in the communities it serves is its namesake Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and lemonade.

The owner of the DeKalb establishment operates another Baba’s Famous Steak and Lemonade location in Aurora.

For information, visit babasfamoussteaknlemonade.com.

Crumbl Cookies

Crumbl Cookies, 2566 Sycamore Road, gave patrons a taste of what the shop has a store for them when it hosted a special sneak-peak event to introduce the brand to the community in January.

On its menu, Crumbl Cookies offers an assortment of flavors including milk chocolate chip, french toast, churro, cookie dough, the original pink sugar and more, according to its website.

Owner Bill Badruddin, who is a Sycamore High School graduate, previously said customers can rest assured that this is not another cookie cutter type shop.

“At the end of the day, it’s just about giving it a shot and seeing the differences – the rotating menu, the interesting flavors, the suspense of never knowing what you’re going to see when you come in,” Badruddin said. “Then obviously, the open bakery aspect, you can see us doing everything. We make everything from scratch. You can taste that with every bite. So, I think I dare those type of people to come in, and I guarantee their mind will change when they walk out.”

Crumbl Cookies is located in the Northland Plaza Shopping Center between GameStop and WestSide Children’s Therapy.

The store’s hours of operations are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Crumbl Cookies is closed on Sunday.

For information, visit crumblcookies.com.

Wreckroom

Wreckroom, a new space to smash away stress or just let loose, opened this past fall in the Village Commons.

DeKalb native Miles Mapes runs and operates the establishment at 901 Lucinda Avenue, Unit G.

Apart from a wreckroom, the establishment also offers a splatter room and gaming lounge.

The establishment operates from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Wreckroom is closed Monday through Wednesday.

For information, visit wreckdekalb.com.