Two Men and a Junk Truck, an offshoot of Two Men and a Truck, is expanding to Crystal Lake and Aurora.

Will County welcomed a lot of new businesses in 2025 – and saw a few long-time ones close their doors. The restaurant and coffee scene is bustling.

McHenry County’s first Scooter’s Coffee location is open inside the Algonquin Meijer, located at 400 S. Randall Road.

From clothing and hobby stores to restaurants and auto shops, read a recap of 2025's business activity in the Sauk Valley.

Year in Review: The city of DeKalb welcomed a variety of new businesses in 2025.

The Jeffrey Cesario Insurance Agency has moved to a new location in Batavia.

To date, The Timbers of Shorewood, senior living facility, has donated more than $82,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Feathered Fork restaurant recently opened at 20631 Renwick Road.

A distillery and bar in Cary known for its unique spirit options has permanently closed after co-owners lock horns in years-long legal battles.

The Joliet Chapter bestows its Gold Star Award to people making impactful contributions in the community.

Books range from bestsellers, lesser known titles and books by independent authors, alongside "bookish gifts."

Businesses came and went in DeKalb this year, Here’s a look at a few changes:

The new Erne’s Restaurant & Bar inside Pickle Haus in Algonquin is described as “polished casual” with an updated menu and atmosphere. Operators hope it will bring people in to dine, not just play pickleball.

The Wirtz legacy of dressing McHenry residents comes to an end on Dec. 30, when Tony and Laurie Wirtz retire, closing the tailor shop Tony has ran for 36 years.

Vickie's Place on the Fox River in McHenry is closing Sunday after 40 years. But a new owner already has plans to reopen. Find out who is it.

After more than seven years, Jean Arthur Salon in Peru plans to close its doors.

Heritage Harbor announced that the Illinois Crafter/Bluegill Boathouse & Marina Bar concluded its services with the Ottawa marina community.

Its last day will be Monday, Dec. 29.

The Gamers Guild Lounge in Princeton will soon close permanently. 

You may not know Lacey Haltenhof, but if you’ve shopped downtowns in the Illinois Valley this holiday season, you’ve seen her work.

Jon and Gina Osborne, local entrepreneurs and owners of Image360 Mokena, recently received multiple awards from Alliance Franchise Brands.

After a successful giveaway on Thanksgiving eve, Breaking Bread Catering & Deli will be giving out another 100 free loaves of bread ahead of Christmas.

Michelle DeMarco of Geneva built a business based on her love of Christmas and the art of holiday decorating.

The Silver Cross Board of Trustees recently appointed Megan Bowman and John Clavio to the Silver Cross Foundation board of directors.

The Lomeli family has operated Lomeli’s International Supermarket in Round Lake for 26 years. Now they're opening Lomeli's Fresh Market at the former home of Island Foods in Island Lake.

Now the FIT Foundation – a meal prep company is seeking donations for Christmas dinners for Joliet and Crest Hill police officers who are working on Christmas Day.

The Village Greek restaurant in downtown Sycamore will serve its last meal on New Year’s Eve, said owner Makie Maratos, who also owns Sycamore State Theater next door.

Margaret Mary Gillespie purchased the assets of the former Thayer Bros. in 2023 and then opened Magpie’s Joy of Eating in that space in January 2024.

A new veterans service and veteran impact organization is expected to open up soon in DeKalb’s Junction Shopping Center. Also on site at 854 W. Lincoln Highway is the nonprofit home of Made In DeKalb, a new training center for customized textile manufacturing.

The closure of Mr. Salsa’s, a Mexican restaurant at 309 E. Walnut St., Oglesby, was announced Tuesday, effective immediately.

The McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce has announced which Riverwalk Shoppes are returning in 2026 and what new offerings shoppers will have when they open in May.

The Hampshire couple behind a popular Elgin gym has expanded their claim to fame with a new location in DeKalb.

After undergoing new ownership, Hilton Garden Inn in St. Charles applied for and received a liquor license from the city so it can operate a hotel bar and host large events.

Each year since 2007, Westyn Genens's parents celebrated Westyn’s short life with an annual holiday toy drive for Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

Bill and Dick’s Barber Shop in Dixon will close for good in March 2026 after 60 years of operation.

A new shop promising a special curated collection of decoration and design essentials has found a home in the landmark downtown Fargo block in DeKalb, its owner said.

Pigtails & Crewcuts: Haircuts for Kids, 1318 Commons Drive, Suite 6050, Geneva, specializes in providing services to children with sensory issues and special needs.

Strategic Steps Counseling will offer individual, youth, family and couples counseling specializing in anxiety, depression, grief and life transitions, among other areas. Opening day is Jan. 5 at 603 First Ave., Suite 202, in Sterling.

OnCall Imaging at 1609 First Ave. in Rock Falls recently began its third year in business. The 8,000-square-foot imaging center offers MRI, CT, X-ray, DEXA, mammogram and ultrasound services.

The event takes place 4 p.m. Wednesday at 311 S. Reed St. in Joliet in honor of UCP-Center for Disability Services anniversary.

This new location at 1351 Shale Road in Joliet, will feature Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane where customers can pick up their digital orders.

Crystal Lake residents are speaking out against a proposed third Dunkin’ Donuts in town, saying the location will further cause traffic headaches in the neighboring residential area already dealing with Lake Roots overflow.

Silver Cross moved to New Lenox in 2012 and is now “a 348-bed state-of-the-art facility."

The Lockport Chamber of Commerce honored the following members and first responders at its annual awards dinner.

McHenry-based Bupp Woodworks & Design has national reach, looking at potential for expanding their shop that preserves flowers in resin for customers across the country.

Tina and Trevor Bupp of McHenry-based Bupp Woodworks & Design, have made a name for themselves preserving florals like wedding bouquets and funeral flowers to memorialize important events.

A new hotel is still planned for downtown Woodstock - but with some changes, including how long it will take.

The forum will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 10 at JJC’s City Center Campus, 235 N. Chicago St. in Joliet,

McHenry County businesses are having another go at Small Business Saturday this weekend after last week’s promotion was mostly derailed by almost a foot of snow that blanketed the region.

S&T Too Pizza will host a grand opening Friday, Saturday and Sunday to celebrate its new Shorewood location.