New Ba Le, Home Run Inn Honors Cops & Firemen; More

CHINATOWN—Ba Le is set to open its second restaurant on Sept. 17 at 2141 S. Archer. [Grub Street]

EVERYWHERE—On Sept. 11, all eight Chicago-area locations of Home Run Inn will give any police officer or firefighter with a valid ID a free 8-inch cheese pizza when dining in the restaurant. [EaterWire]

DOWNTOWN—The Southern Mac & Cheese Store should open in two weeks at 60 E. Lake Street. [@pennypollack]

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS—On Sept. 14, Smashburger opens another suburban outpost at 115 Rand Road, bringing their total Chicago-area shops to seven. Will they ever open in the city? [EaterWire]

SOUTH LOOP—The Scout will kick off its weekend brunch this Saturday and Sunday. Brunch, which runs between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., will feature dishes like huevos rancheros, stuffed French toast and steak and eggs and will show all college football games on the 32 LCD TVs each Saturday. [EaterWire]

Ba Le in Uptown [Photo: Facebook]