Business Closures
Two established businesses in Naperville have recently closed. Elegante Salon & Day Spa shut down after over 50 years operating at 15 S. Naper Blvd. Despite announcing the closure on Facebook, Elegante did not provide a reason and was unavailable for comment. Their stylists have moved to a new location.
The owners of Great Harvest Baking Co., located at 192 W. Gartner Road, also announced the closure on social media. After more than 35 years in business, they could not find a new owner. When their landlord chose not to renew the lease, they decided to close rather than relocate. Request for comments were unanswered.
Upcoming Business Openings
For golf enthusiasts, Back Nine Golf is set to open at 1271 Rickert Drive. The membership-based facility focuses on serious golfers, offering simulators and private practice areas. According to owner Russ Dawson, an October opening is expected for the 3,000-square-foot facility. Initially, there will be three simulators and a small office space. Dawson plans to collaborate with local high school golf teams, providing them with training space.
The specialty restaurant Shawarma Stop will open a new location at 1292 Rickert Drive. This spot was previously the Kong Dog store. Owner Uluk Kadyraliev intends to open in October, offering fresh shawarma wraps. Kadyraliev came to the U.S. from Kyrgyzstan in 2010, starting in the restaurant industry by washing dishes and eventually mastering English. His first Shawarma Stop opened in Schaumburg last year, inspired by his college days in Kyrgyzstan.
Dumont Creamery & Cafe, an Indian ice cream chain, is now operational at Block 59. The grand opening weekend will occur from August 21-24. Known for its exotic flavors representing various countries, Dumont’s offerings include Lotus Biscoff for Belgium and mint basil sorbet for Italy. Guests can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free scoop offer during the grand opening. The first 100 visitors will receive exclusive goodies.
Lola’s Handcrafted Churros aims to open its new downtown location at 8 W. Jefferson Ave. in August. Owner Mayra Serna mentioned that the shop, known for churro sundaes and diverse drink options like mango lemonade and specialty lattes, is awaiting city inspections.
The Roman-style pizza shop Bonci will join the Naperville food scene at 22 E. Chicago Ave. Owner Chakib Touhami plans an opening either by August 14 or the week after. Founded in Rome by chef Gabriele Bonci, this shop will offer a variety of well-known and seasonal pizzas. Gabriele Bonci is expected to visit Naperville later in the fall for a book-signing event.
Cantina Taco Grill will replace the old Front Street Cantina at 15 W. Jefferson Ave. Owner Jose Oliver states the restaurant will provide tacos with premium ingredients like New York strip and ribeye steak. They aim for a September 15 opening.
I Heart Gyro is also planning to open at 22 E. Chicago Ave, though representatives have not commented.