Business Updates in Naperville: Closings and New Openings
As summer winds down, Naperville’s business scene remains active. Here is an update on recent changes.
Closings
Two long-established businesses, Elegante Salon & Day Spa and Great Harvest Baking Co., have recently closed. Elegante announced on Facebook it closed on July 25, without providing reasons. The salon operated for over 50 years at 15 S. Naper Blvd., offering hair, skin, and nail services. The stylists have moved to a new salon, according to their Facebook post.
Great Harvest Bread Co. announced they were closing after more than 35 years. Efforts to find a new owner for their location at 192 W. Gartner Road were unsuccessful. The landlord didn’t renew their lease, leading the owners to decide on closure. Neither business responded to requests for comments.
What’s Coming
Golf enthusiasts can look forward to Back Nine Golf opening at 1271 Rickert Drive. This membership-based facility will offer golf simulators and private practice spaces. Back Nine Golf has around 200 locations nationwide. The Naperville site is set to open in October, according to owner Russ Dawson.
Dawson, an Aurora resident, plans to collaborate with local high school golf teams for training opportunities. Unlike entertainment-focused simulator businesses, Back Nine welcomes all skill levels.
Shawarma Stop will replace the former Kong Dog store at 1292 Rickert Drive. Owner Uluk Kadyraliev intends to open his newest location in October, emphasizing fresh shawarma wraps. Kadyraliev, who moved to the U.S. from Kyrgyzstan in 2010, began his career in the restaurant industry washing dishes and learning English. He opened the first Shawarma Stop in Schaumburg last year.
Dumont Creamery & Cafe, an Indian ice cream chain, has launched at Block 59, with a grand opening set for Aug. 21-24. Known for exotic ice cream flavors, Dumont will offer guests a buy one scoop, get one free deal during the opening weekend, along with exclusive gifts for the first 100 customers.
Lola’s Handcrafted Churros aims to open a downtown location at 8 W. Jefferson Ave. in August. Once inspections are complete, owner Mayra Serna is prepared to launch. The shop specializes in churro sundaes and various drinks, including mango lemonade and specialty lattes.
Roman-style pizza shop Bonci will open at 22 E. Chicago Ave. as soon as Aug. 14. Owned by Chakib Touhami, Bonci brings popular pizza combinations and seasonal specialties to Naperville. Noteworthy is the upcoming visit by founder Gabriele Bonci, who plans to hold a book-signing event and other activities.
Other eateries opening downtown include Cantina Taco Grill and I Heart Gyro. Cantina Taco Grill replaces Front Street Cantina at 15 W. Jefferson Ave., offering upscale taco ingredients like New York strip and ribeye steak. Owner Jose Oliver has long planned to open a downtown Naperville restaurant, targeting a Sept. 15 opening.