JoJo’s ShakeBAR Highland Park pop-up will bring Biggie Shakes to Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar from September 17-30, 2026. The limited run features Chocolate Nirvana, The Wonder Years and an exclusive Birthday shake with a cake-batter flavor on Chicago’s North Shore. JoJo’s ShakeBAR is bringing its oversized Biggie Shakes to Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar in Highland Park, Illinois, for a limited-time collabor

Hello Kitty fans in Illinois have another reason to get excited. The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is scheduled to make a Chicago-area stop at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT. Sanrio’s official Hello Kitty Cafe Truck schedule lists the stop as Chicago, IL — Truck East, with Oakbrook Center named as the location. The event listing also states that the truck is credit card onl

Giordano’s gas price pizza deal is giving loyalty app members a weekly discount tied to Chicago fuel prices. The company’s “Summer Savings — Save a Gallon” promotion launched on Friday, May 22, 2026, and gives customers savings based on the average price of one gallon of regular gas in the City of Chicago. The discount is based on AAA Gas Prices and will refresh every Monday throughout the summer. Giordano’s said the promotion began with the average gas price at $5.43, with the discount applying to qualifying pizza orders placed through the company’s loyalty program. Who Can Use Giordano’s Save a Gallon Offer? The offer is available exclusively to Giordano’s loyalty members at participating Giordano’s locations nationwide. It can be used for dine-in, carryout and delivery orders, but third-party delivery orders are excluded. Customers must place an order that includes at least one Giordano’s pizza, including Stuffed Deep Dish, Thin Crust or Tavern-Style pizza. The order must meet a $15 minimum, and only one redemption is permitted per check. New customers who sign up for Giordano’s loyalty program can access the reward immediately. How the Weekly Pizza Discount Works Beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, and every Monday after that through the summer, Giordano’s will automatically update the discount amount to reflect the latest average price of a gallon of regular gas in Chicago, according to AAA Gas Prices. That means the deal is not a fixed coupon. The savings can rise or fall depending on the weekly Chicago gas-price average. Why Giordano’s Tied Pizza Savings to Gas Prices The promotion connects a restaurant discount with a household cost many families watch closely during the summer travel season. By linking the offer to Chicago gas prices, Giordano’s is positioning “Save a Gallon” as a weekly savings tool for pizza customers rather than a one-time promotion. For customers, the deal turns a familiar fuel-price benchmark into a simple pizza discount. For Giordano’s, it gives loyalty app users a reason to check back each week while fuel costs remain part of the summer spending conversation.

A new bagel destination is creating buzz in Chicago as PopUp Bagels makes its debut, drawing early morning crowds eager for a fresh and unconventional bagel experience. Known for its minimalist menu and distinctive serving style, the East Coast favorite is quickly gaining attention among local food enthusiasts. On Friday, April 17, 2026, customers began lining up early in the morning outside PopUp Bagels’ new location in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, ahead of its officia

Three bars in Chicago have secured spots among North America’s best, according to a newly released industry ranking that highlights standout destinations for cocktail culture and nightlife across the region. The recognition underscores Chicago’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative mixology and premium bar experiences in the United States. The three Chicago bars featured on the list are: Meadowlark (Logan Square) – Known

A River North restaurant has earned national attention for its distinctive blend of design and cuisine, marking another milestone for Chicago’s evolving dining scene. Crying Tiger, which opened in October at 51 W. Hubbard St., has been named among the most beautiful new restaurants in America for 2025, according to a recently released national ranking highlighting standout hospitality spaces across the country. The restaurant was recognized for its ability to merge Chicago’s ind

A new nationwide dining report has placed Chicago firmly in the spotlight, with OpenTable announcing that 16 restaurants from the city have earned a place on its anticipated Top 100 Restaurants for 2025 list. The annual list, released on Tuesday, reflects strong feedback from diners across the country and highlights restaurants that consistently deliver exceptional experiences. OpenTable stated that the selections were shaped by “diner demand,” relying on more than 10 million verified rev

A video capturing a dramatic scene in downtown Chicago has gone viral, showing nearly ten Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in tactical gear chasing a food delivery worker through the streets. The clip has triggered heated debate online about immigration enforcement practices and the methods used during active operations in urban areas. The video was shared by Christopher Sweat, a media entrepreneur, who described the incident as briefly spiraling out of control. According

One of Chicago’s most beloved summer traditions is back this weekend as the Taste of Chicago kicks off its 45th year. The popular food festival begins at 11 a.m. on Friday in Grant Park and runs through Sunday, welcoming thousands of visitors eager to sample a wide variety of dishes, desserts and drinks from dozens of vendors across the city. The event will be open daily until 9 p.m., giving attendees three full days to enjoy Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene and a packed lineup of

Chicago is set to experience a food trend unlike any other as Heinz teams up with Smoothie King to launch the world’s first tomato ketchup smoothie. Known for its culinary traditions and strong opinions on condiments, the city will soon witness an unusual twist that blends its iconic ketchup with the vibrant flavors of a smoothie. This innovative drink is set to be available only for a short period, starting August 6, and will be offered at select Smoothie King locations across Chicago,

Chicago's pizza scene has quietly welcomed back one of its most iconic and talked-about names. Great Lake, a small pizzeria once hailed as serving the best pizza in America, has returned more than 12 years after it suddenly closed its doors. Tucked away at 1476 W. Berwyn, not far from its original Andersonville neighborhood, the legendary pizza shop has resumed operations without much fanfare, but its legacy and impact on Chicago’s food culture remain as strong as ever.

Chicago-based fast-food favorite Portillo’s is expanding its recently launched breakfast menu to more locations across the city and nearby suburbs. Beginning Tuesday, customers in five new areas will be able to enjoy a variety of breakfast items tailored to deliver both classic comfort and bold flavor. The expansion comes after a successful trial run and growing customer demand for early morning options from the beloved brand. Now, the breakfast menu will be served at five additional Po

Heinz, a global leader in condiments, is trialing a new sauce machine that could change the way sauces are served in restaurants. In a limited test across three suburban restaurant locations, the company is introducing the Heinz Remix—a high-tech condiment dispenser that empowers customers to personalize their own sauce blends using a touch interface and multiple flavor options. The Heinz Remix is modeled after customizable drink machines but is designed specifically for con

Portillo's, the renowned Chicago-based chain known for its hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, has embarked on a new culinary venture by introducing a breakfast menu at select locations. This marks a significant expansion in the brand's offerings, aiming to cater to early risers and breakfast enthusiasts in the Chicago area. Starting April 15, 2025, five Portillo's locations began serving breakfast daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The participating locations includ