Hog Wild to open in Oak Lawn, along with golf, and coffee businesses
The Oak Lawn Village Board recently approved a business license for a Hog Wild restaurant to open at 4440 W. 111th St.
Owner Richard Wagner received unanimous approval for a parking variation and a sign.
It will be the third location for the popular Midlothian restaurant. There is a Hog Wild Express location inside the Gas N Wash gas station at 19990 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena.
The company has had mixed results with expansion. Years ago, the restaurant opened a location in Tinley Park and another in Calumet City. Both closed after a few years.
Wagner acknowledged that they are also delighted to be opening in Oak Lawn. Hog Wild will feature indoor dining and delivery, Wagner said. He said the restaurant will open by the end of July.
“We really appreciate it,” Wagner said. “I think we are really going to do well.”
Oak Lawn also granted a license for Birdies Sports Bar & Grill, 4026 W. 111th St., that will include golf simulators for indoor golf all-year round, according to ownership. Birdies will have seven simulators and ownership has reached out to seniors and high school students to take part.
Cork and Bean, 4931 W. 95th St., was also approved to open. The new business will feature coffee and cocktails in a more sedate setting, according to the owners. The business will be a draw for women who would like to have conversation with friends, along with sharing desserts, an espresso, or a variety of other drinks near a fireplace.
Cork and Bean is scheduled to open in July.
Lucky Burrito, located at 6619 W. 95th St., received approval by the board to sell beer and margaritas. However, the restaurant will not be adding a bar to the premises.
Gourmet popcorn shop to open in Beverly
Sebrina’s Gourmet Popcorn will hold its grand opening from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at 1329 W. 99th St. in Chicago’s Beverly community.
There will be plenty of samples, raffles with prizes and lots of networking.
Owner Sebrina Erasto said, “I want to be a staple in the community and show other entrepreneurs that anything is possible. I want the neighborhood kids to drive by as adults 10 years later and say, ‘We used to ride our bikes up there, her popcorn is so good!’
“I don’t plan on being here for a little bit, I plan on being here for the long haul. I want to be that business owner who everyone knows. I want to welcome the community to participate in some of the special events we will have, so patrons will not have to go all the way downtown for an evening out. We have access to additional space, and I plan to use it to benefit the community.”
Sebrina’s will offer a variety of gourmet style popcorn, fruit Slushies and other beverages. As the seasons change, the menu options will add new popcorn flavors and other snack items.
Andy’s Frozen Custard celebrates ‘first scoop of spring’
When Andy’s Frozen Custard opened in January at 12755 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights, a company spokeswoman said the Missouri-based chain would have a grand opening in the spring.
That will take place at noon Thursday when Andy Kuntz, CEO and owner, joins Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz to celebrate spring with a ceremonial “first scoop of spring.”
Treat lovers are invited for an afternoon of fun from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet Kuntz, win prizes and enjoy the World’s Finest Frozen Custard at a special price, including free sundaes for kids 12 and under.
The Palos Heights location is the chain’s fifth in the south suburbs. The company first moved into the Chicago marketplace in 2011 in Oak Lawn and has since opened south suburban stores in Burbank, Countryside and Orland Park.
Andy’s features a wide variety of frozen and unfrozen treats including concretes, malts, shakes, floats, sundaes, banana splits, old-fashioned freezes and old-fashioned sodas.
Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Saturday.
Andy’s Frozen Custard started in Osage Beach, Missouri, in 1986 and later expanded throughout the state of Missouri.
Andy’s then expanded into Arkansas, Texas, and Illinois.
All south suburban locations are corporate owned.
First Secure acquires Wonder Bancorp
Palos Hills-based First Secure Bank Group announced last week that it has acquired Wonder Bancorp, which is the parent company of the State Bank group.
State Bank has $260 million in assets and has banking facilities in the far northern suburbs of Wonder Lake, Harvard, Hebron, Johnsburg, Spring Grove, and Lakemoor. The acquisition increases the First Secure Bank Group total assets to over $1.1 billion.
Jay Bergman, chairman of First Secure, said that State Bank will retain its charter and will be operated as a separate bank as part of the First Secure Bank Group.
The First Secure Group owns the First Secure Bank & Trust Company with over $400 million in assets and locations in Palos Hills, Palos Park, Oak Forest and Mokena. First Secure also owns First Secure Community Bank with about $475 million in assets and locations in Joliet, Naperville, Aurora, Sugar Grove and Morris.
“This is a win-win for both organizations,” said Bergman. “The First Secure banks are true community banks, not just in name but in reality. State Bank has the same philosophy of serving the people in the towns that they are located in.”
Jack Franks, chairman of Wonder Bancorp, said, “This is a great opportunity for State Bank. It allows State Bank to retain its identity, employees and small-town culture while having the advantages of being part of a $1.1 billion banking organization.”