Jesse’s Tavern closes in Chicago Ridge
A Chicago Ridge landmark for the past 17 years closed earlier this month with one final gathering.
Kathy and Jim McKinney opened Jesse’s Tavern, 10501 S. Ridgeland Ave., 17 years ago. The tavern was a favorite watering hole on the Ridgeland strip.
Food prepared at Jesse’s Tavern, including burgers, chili and steak tacos, was purchased right next door from Jack & Pat’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop, 10717 Ridgeland Ave.
The bar held a closing party August 6 and the event did not disappoint, gathering together hundreds of people of all ages throughout the day to wish the McKinneys the best and to say goodbye to an end of an era.
Although it is bittersweet to see Jesse’s Tavern officially close its doors, the McKinneys are looking forward to retirement.
“We are not sure what we will be doing yet upon retirement; it is all part of our next adventure together,” Kathy said.
Turkish House opens in Palos Hills
A new business has opened in Palos Hills that might beckon coffee lovers from everywhere.
Turkish House, 10703 S. Roberts Road, opened in June, but the owners held their grand opening on August 5.
Balloons were up throughout the store and signs were posted outside indicating that the grand opening was taking place. Discounted prices were offered on many of the items.
Ayhem Abutahoua, son of the owners, said the business provides a variety of carafes and cups for coffee and tea, and a collection of items ranging from dishes, plates and seasonal products.
“This is our first brick and mortar building,” Abutahoua said. “The majority of products are imported from Turkey but we also have handmade products as well.”
Ayhem’s mother, Sundus Abutahoua, is also assisted by her husband and two daughters at the family-run business.
The store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Great Lakes Beer and Bourbon opens
Great Lakes Beer and Bourbon held a grand opening ceremony on July 21 at 129th Street and LaGrange Road in Palos Park in the former McDivots.
The celebration kicked off with a ribbon cutting, free giveaways and a live performance by the band Five Guys Named Moe.
McDivots owner, John Ries, turned over the business to his sons: Justin, Zachary and Colin Ries.
Great Lakes Beer and Bourbon offers an expansive floor to dance, entertain, or watch live music, as well as an outdoor patio.
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“We are very excited to have Great Lakes Beer and Bourbon in Palos Park,” Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters said. “It was a missing piece in the community and we are looking forward to everything they have to offer.”
Dollar General now open in Berwyn
Dollar General has announced that its store at 6843 Ogden Avenue in Berwyn is now open.
To commemorate the opening of the new location, Dollar General plans to donate 100 new books to a nearby elementary school to benefit students ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade.
More closures for bridge reconstruction
More temporary, overnight lane closures were scheduled for this week on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) at 88th/Cork Avenue in Justice to accommodate bridge beam placement for construction of a new interchange.
Lane closures in both directions were necessary to accommodate the placement of bridge beams on 88th/Cork Avenue over I-294. Bridge beam placement will be scheduled during overnight hours to minimize the impact on local road traffic.
As part of the project, the Tollway will construct a new ramp connecting northbound I-294 to 88th/Cork Avenue and a new ramp connecting 88th/Cork Avenue to southbound I-294. In addition, the Tollway will widen the 88th/Cork Avenue Bridge over I-294 to provide a southbound left turn lane, as well as additional pedestrian and bicycle access, noisewalls and drainage and lighting improvements.
The new interchange is designed to be compatible with a new ramp connecting southbound Archer Avenue to northbound I-294, which is being constructed by the Tollway as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project.
Bob Bong is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at [email protected].