Smashburger opens second south suburban location
Denver-based Smashburger opened its newest south suburban location last week at 15061 S. LaGrange Road in Orland Park near the new Raising Cane’s, Chipotle and Panera restaurants on the site of the former Toys R Us store.
It’s the second Southland location for the hamburger chain and its fifth Chicago area location. It opened a restaurant in 2011 at 5139 W. 95th St. om Oak Lawn.
“We are thrilled to continue our Chicago area expansion with our newest restaurant in Orland Park,” said Carl Bachmann, president of Smashburger. “Orland Park is one of the most desirable Chicago suburbs with a variety of restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment which makes it an ideal community for Smashburger.”
To commemorate the grand opening, Smashburger will host a community giveback event with The Bridge Teen Center, a nonprofit community center that provides free programs and events for teens from neighboring communities.
From Dec. 17 to 19, $1 from every Double Smash Burger sold will benefit The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Court in Orland Park.
From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18, guests can meet and take a photo with Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet.
The chain also plans additional Smashburger locations coming soon to Naperville and Oak Brook.
Traverso’s in Tinley Park to close
Traverso’s, a popular Italian restaurant in Orland Park since 1974, announced last week that it will be closing Jan. 1 at 15601 S. Harlem Ave.
The announcement was made on the restaurant’s Facebook page:
“All good things must come to an end. On January 1st Traverso’s will be closing our doors after 47 wonderful years. Thank you all for the continuous support and friendships that we’ve made along the way. Please stop by for one last goodbye!”
Staying open will be a second Traverso’s location in Naperville that was opened by brothers Mike and Paul in 1993.
According to a note on its website, “You might have heard that the Traverso’s restaurant in Orland Park is closing at the end of 2021. But don’t worry, our Naperville location is not closing. We’ll still be here to serve you next year and beyond. Thanks for your continued support!”
The Orland location opened in 1974.
As the story goes, Lena Traverso came with her parents to the United States from Italy in 1927 when she was only 15. The family settled on the South Side and Lena worked in a number of local restaurants.
Her sons opened their own restaurants in 1962 in Chicago’s Pullman and Mount Greenwood neighborhoods with Lena bringing her cooking skills and old-world recipes.
Steak and Shake closes in Frankfort, again
Sad news for local Steak and Shake fans: Indianapolis-based Steak and Shake has again closed its location in Frankfort leaving a store in Tinley Park as its only restaurant in the south suburbs.
The restaurant at 20091 S. LaGrange Road was one of 51 locations the chain shuttered late in 2020. It reopened earlier this year, but is closed again.
More Top Picks Best Outdoor Saunas
Signs on the drive-thru window and front door say the location is closed permanently.
That leaves the store at 16110 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park as the only spot for area residents to get their fill. Though, there are locations in Joliet and Schererville, Indiana.
Secretary of State driver’s office reopens
Secretary of State Jesse White announced Monday that the driver services side of the Chicago South Driver Services facility, 9901 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., was to reopen on Tuesday.
It had been closed due to repairs and renovations.
Because Chicago South is a facility that requires an appointment, customers needing behind-the-wheel road tests, REAL IDs, standard driver’s licenses and ID cards are advised to visit ilsos.gov or call 844-817-4649 to schedule an appointment.
Seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities and expectant mothers do not need an appointment and are served as walk-ins. Vehicle services, such as renewing a license plate sticker or applying for a vehicle title, do not require an appointment.
Bob Bong is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at [email protected].