A Good Sign: Several New Businesses Have Opened in Elmhurst

It appears that business is booming in Elmhurst these days, with a plethora of different shops and restaurants opening or preparing to open soon.

Qdoba Mexican Grill, Route 83 and St. Charles Road

At some point this weekend, turkey is going to become … not so appealing. After the main turkey feast, followed by turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey tetrazzini, turkey salad and turkey pot pie, it will be time for a change.

So, on Monday, Nov. 28, why not head over to the grand opening of Qdoba Mexican Grill at the corner of St. Charles and Route 83 in Elmhurst. It's the third of three restaurants opening at the site, joining . Total Hockey also is open for business there, and Verizon will soon follow.

Available at the Elmhurst Qdoba during grand opening week, from Monday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 4, guests can enjoy $5 burritos each day until 2 p.m. Foursquare users can also “check-in” at the new location to receive one free regular entrée with purchase of a drink.
 
The Elmhurst Qdoba team also will be joined by the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, for an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
 
Qdoba meals are handmade in front of guests and topped with personally selected fresh ingredients, including one of five distinctive salsas. Guests can try some of Qdoba’s signature flavors, including Mexican Gumbo, and Queso and Ancho Chile BBQ Burritos.  The Craft 2 menu lets guests mix and match smaller portions of Qdoba’s most popular items, including a Naked Burrito, Naked Taco Salad, Mexican Gumbo, 3-cheese nachos, two tacos, quesadilla or tortilla soup.
 
This is the first Qdoba location in Elmhurst and marks the 21st location in the greater Chicago area.

Nancy's Pizza/Melina's Trattoria & Lounge Cucina Italiana, 940 N. York Road

has been very busy over the past year creating a new look, a new menu and a new name for the dining room, Trattoria Melina.

Renovations were completed and the restaurant re-opened late last year, but the official grand opening was this month. Nancy's has served the Elmhurst community since 1976 and is a family-owned business. Menu favorites include lasagna, tortellini alfredo, 8-finger cavatelli and spinach fettuccine al prosciutto. The extensive menu also includes a variety of fish, chicken and veal dishes, and of course its famous Nancy's stuffed pizza.
 
Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Kie & Kate Couture, 559 Spring Road

is not your typical woman's clothing shop. While you will find women's clothing, purses and jewelry, these items are interspersed among iPhone cases, inspirational signs and pillows and even gourmet treats from South Bend Chocolate Company.

If your book club or bridge group is planning a ladies night out, Kie & Kate can provide the space, or why not host a trunk show at your home? A portion of sales can be donated to a charity of choice.

The store also features custom T-shirts for kids by owner Kati Kemph. Also for kids are toys and crafts, hats and hair accessories made by local crafters, books and accessories from around the world. It's a great place to shop for a unique baby gift, as well. Kie & Kate also hosts birthday parties for kids that include a custom T-shirt craft activity, dress up, karaoke and more.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Elmhurst Olive Oil Company, 152 N. York St.

You've seen them popping up in such places as Door County, Wisc., but now Elmhurst has its very own try-it-before-you-buy-it olive oil shop. Various selections of infused olive oil are dispensed in tasting-friendly amounts. When you choose a winner, the staff will hand-bottle your selection. The shop also sells vinegars, including balsamic vinegars originating from Italy, and many herbs and sea salts to make any meal special. These items are not just for salads anymore.

Elmhurst Olive Oil Company, located right next to the York Theatre, where the party shop used to be, has been open for about a month. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Elmhurst Coins and Collectibles, 127 N. Addison

celebrated its grand opening this week, on Monday, Nov. 21. It's located just north of Al's Hobby Shop.

Finally, numismatists in town have a place close by to discover a wide selection of "US and foreign coins, precious metals, paper money and hobby supplies and collectibles," according to Elmhurst Coin's web site. And you'll never have to worry about authenticity, as all pieces are authenticated through the Professional Coin Grading Service, the "gold-standard" in the rare coin industry. Staff also provide written appraisals and free verbal evaluations.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.