Goodwill opens store in Burbank
Goodwill Industries has opened a new store and donation center in Burbank next to the Tony’s Fresh Market at 7770 S. Cicero Ave.
Goodwill is a workforce development nonprofit that provides training, employment and support services in the Chicago region. Revenue generated by the new store’s sales and donations directly supports programs and services to help people with disabilities or barriers to work to build skills and find employment in their communities.
The new 8,600-square-foot facility features a new look that includes interior refreshes, additional storage bins to keep donations safe and protected, and parking lot maintenance.
Hours are Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Goodwill is focused on environmental sustainability, diverting over 150 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfills in 2021 with the help of local shoppers and donors.
In 2021, Goodwill served 1,991 people in Cook County through its job resource and community-based support programs and employed 1,969 Cook County residents across various areas of the organization.
Mickey’s Gyros closes in Palos Hills
Owners Juan and Maria Cabrol became the latest longtime Southland business owners to call it quits when they closed the Mickey’s Gyros location in Palos Hills last week.
As in the other closings, the Cabrols decided to retire and there were no family members to carry on the business.
In recognition of their 31 years in business in Palos Hills, longtime friends, family and customers gathered one last time on Friday to wish the Cabrols well in the future.
Mayor Jerry Bennett presented the couple a plaque thanking them for their years of service and countless meals served over the years.
“This is a place that for 31 years has been an icon to the community,” Bennett said. “And for someone who was a regular customer, I’m really going to miss this place. I used to come in here two to three times a week. There would be residents and local business people, the fire department, and matter of fact, half the city employees would come to Mickey’s every day. As much as it is sad, I am happy for you guys. We wish you happiness and success in your retirement.”
When word got out that they were closing, patrons packed the eatery to the point it ran out of food before its announced closing on Dec. 29.
But, being the good neighbors they were, the Cabrols opened their doors one last time and fed everyone who attended the farewell gathering.
“We decided it was time to get out,” Maria Cabrol said. “We wanted to get out before we were too old and tired.”
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The Cabrols are longtime residents of Palos Hills and plan to remain in the community.
“We aren’t going anywhere,” Maria said. “We will see you.”
Starbucks opens in Richton Park
A new Starbucks is now open at Cicero Avenue and Sauk Trail in Richton Park.
It’s the third new Starbucks to open in the south suburbs in recent weeks. Two other Starbucks opened late last year in Tinley Park.
The Richton Park location is at 4871 Sauk Trail between a Dollar Tree store and a McDonald’s restaurant.
Developed by Vequity, the $2.2 million project was the first new commercial construction in the village since Walmart relocated its Matteson store there in 2015.
The 2,250-square-foot coffee shop features a drive-through lane.
Hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Worth Township Christmas Cares gets toys
The Evergreen Park office of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago collected close to 100 toys plus some additional monetary donations for Worth Township’s Christmas Cares Program this year.
Christmas Cares accepts toy donations for children ages newborn through 12 years old for Worth Township families.
Bob Bong is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at [email protected].