Business Watch

The “Pasta & Puccini” night was such a hit at  Zingarella, the small Italian eatery opposite The Glen of North Glenview Metra stop, that the restaurant now plans a live music “Cabaret” night on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 6:30 PM.  It will feature professional singers from New York and Chicago performing popular Broadway show tunes and cabaret favorites.  Zingarella’s owner, Bonnie Brock, is a professional opera singer who also plans to share her talents with diners.    Tickets are $75.00 and include meal, wine, beer, tax, gratuity and show.  Call for special pricing on parties of eight or more.  Reservations are required as seating is limited.  Call 847 657 0707 for more details. 

Street Sale Will Feature a Unique Raffle

Glenview’s annual street sale brings a variety of freebies and raffles, but none as exotic as the one offered by the Dog Owners of Glenview. On Saturday, June 28 the group will give visitors a chance to have their mutt’s DNA tested – a $120 value – to determine the pet’s actual breeds. Also in the mix, canine treats, daycare, training and the services of a portrait artist who specializes in pooches.

Business Watch

— At a time when many retailers are scaling back plans for expansion, outdoor gear and apparel outfitter L. L. Bean Inc. is continuing its push into the Chicago market with plans for a store at Old Orchard in Skokie.

— The trendy Spanish clothing store Zara is entering the Chicago area this fall with a new two-level store at Old Orchard. It would be Zara’s first location in a market where its main rival, H&M, already has a big presence, according to Crain’s Chicago Business.

Dominick’s Redux

After spending millions of dollars to buy property on Waukegan Road and thousands on consultants, the village could be closer to ensuring a grocery store downtown. Planners would like to see a mixed use development at the site – condos and retail space, but Safeway – the parent company of Dominick’s – has refused to give up its lease on the store. As long as the company pays rent, it’s entitled to stay put until 2012, effectively ensuring no new competition for its Patriot Boulevard store. Now, however, Village Hall reports negotiations are underway, and a new grocery tenant at the old Dominick’s site could just be (drum roll please) — Dominick’s.

In California, Safeway is facing heavy competition from a British grocery chain which has recently entered the American market with small, upscale food stores called Tesco Express. One is set to open in Arlington Heights, and Safeway is talking about launching similar stores. Could one of the first be here in Glenview? Stay tuned.

Von Maur Sets the Record Straight

When the Watch reported that Von Maur had not yet reached the level of sales that would trigger repayment of a $5 million loan from the village, a reader submitted this comment – a tongue-in-cheek item suggesting the department store might never pay Glenview back.

April 2012 – “We, at Von Maur, are sorry that our store appears to now be above the threshold where taxes are paid, but now find ourselves in such financial strain that we must close our doors at the Glen Town Center. It was nice knowing you folks and hope that you will soon visit us in (enter north suburb name here) where we open next month. And do say goodbye to your nice Glenview trustees.”

A spokesperson for the Iowa-based department store chain has since contacted The Watch to assure that readers and shoppers are not confused. Advertising Manager Kelli Fjeld says:

“While I understand that this is a public forum, our customers may read the post above and not look at the date or understand that this is in fact not something written by a representative from Von Maur. I am not sure if you would be willing to remove the post but a customer did call the store and ask the Manager if in fact we were closing. It would be great if we could avoid any more confusion and misunderstanding from our customers.”

Business Watch

— Viking Cooking is opening its newest school at 1140 N Milwaukee Avenue. In addition to teaching the art of preparing food, Viking sells high end stoves and smaller kitchen appliances. For more information go to http://www.vikingcookingschool.com/hc-cgi-bin/hc?templ=new_vcs/home.html&nocl=1

— Northbrook Court will get three new retailers exclusive to Chicago’s North Shore: Juicy Couture, Geox and Lush Handmade Cosmetics.

— Old Orchard and Macy’s have petitioned for permission to offer outdoor dining for Frontera Fresca Restaurant. Macy’s website describes a similar restaurant already in operation at its State St. store in Chicago: Frontera Fresco—a fresh, quick-service restaurant concept created by Chef Rick Bayless in partnership with Macy’s. Enjoy robust and spirited regional Mexican delicacies, all made with time-honored, natural ingredients and all priced $7.50 or less. The restaurant features authentic Mexican street food with a menu of tortas, huaraches, tamales and quesadillas, plus small-batch, chile-infused salsas and Frontera’s stone-ground, all-natural tortilla chips.

— While Glenview prays for a grocery tenant to replace Dominick’s on Waukegan Road, Britain is delivering a star to Arlington Heights. The Tesco chain says it will locate in the western suburb. It’s been expanding a convenience store concept from the West Coast — 3,000 square feet, selling fresh produce, wine and in-house baked goods.

The Eat Beat

An upscale café and wine bar has opened on Milwaukee Avenue, in the new shopping strip just south of Abt Electronics. In addition to the grape, Jolane’s offers a wide range of coffee drinks such as banana bread lattte, pumpkin frappe made with pumpkin puree, black forest, macadamia nut and frosted mint mochas and an iced Early Grey vanilla latte. Also on the menu, smoothies, Italian sodas, fruit tea infusions and a wide variety of Viennese pastries that are pricy but pretty.

The place is named for a mysterious Austrian immigrant who came to Chicago in 1913, attended Tuley High School and studied accounting at Crane Junior College. Eventually, the menu says, she joined her husband in business. The couple had three children, but Jolane found time to cook for them, even as the business grew into what the menu describes as “one of the most successful family businesses in the United States.”

“Jolane remained active in the business well into her 70’s. . .She cruised to Alaska at the age of 84 and flew alone to Japan when she was 90.” So who was this amazing lady? Bob Abt’s mother, of course.