8 New Chicago Restaurant Openings To Get The Weekend Started

THE LOOP— The Protein Bar spinoff, Thrive360 Eatery, opened its first location. The chain hopes the new restaurants will expand its customer base, not solely relying on the health conscious. They will continue to serve Protein Bar's blended drinks. Status: Certified open, 37 S. LaSalle St.

ANDERSONVILLE— The Goddess and The Grocer's new Andersonville spot will feature a cocktail program, the first for the mini-chain. Debra Sharpe's restaurant will feature salads, sandwiches and sweet treats. There's also a patio. Status: Opening on June 6, 5318 N. Clark St. Note: The opening has been pushed back.

LAKEVIEW & MAG MILE— Stan's Donuts & Coffee has two new locations, giving the chain six. They're also doing their traditional giveaway at 6 a.m. on opening day for the first 100 customers. Status: Opening Saturday, 535 N. Michigan Ave. and 3300 N. Broadway St.

WICKER PARK— Detroit-style pizza is now in Wicker Park as Michigan chain Jet's Pizza has expanded, bringing with them brick cheese and square-cut pies. Now if only Buddy's Pizza could join them. Status: Certified open, 1811 W. North Ave.

WINNETKA— Avli Restaurant and Rotisserie, the Greek fast-casual concept, is open. It's a spinoff of Avli, a suburban Greek sit-down favorite and the owner wants to scale the concept. Status: Certified open, 566 Chestnut St., Winnetka.

PORTAGE PARK— So long E Wok Cafe, everyone will miss the "Star Wars" pun. But in its place Hands On Modern Thai & Sushi Kitchen has taken over. It's the second location for the owners who run a location in Dunning. Status: Certified open, 5056 W. Irving Park.

DEERFIELD— What's old again is new in Deerfield where Kevin's Place has given way to the Cherry Pit Cafe. The diner was known by Cherry Pit until 2006 until a new ownership took over, according to the Tribune. The new owners were former diner employees. Status: Certified open, 808 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield