One of Chicago’s Most Anticipated New Restaurants Should Open Early Next Month

One of Chicago’s most anticipated new restaurants is close to opening

One of the year’s most anticipated new restaurants — the successor to former Eater 38 suburban stalwart Hanbun — is slated to open early next month in West Town. Dave Park and Jennifer Tran’s 40-seat Jeong (1460 W. Chicago Avenue) will have a la carte and seven-course tasting menus which include ramped-up versions of Korean favorites including tteok-bokki, congee, and more when it hopefully opens in early March, Chicago magazine reports. Check out a sneak peek of the under-construction space below, and stay tuned for more details.

A massive halal festival is coming back to Chicago in April

The I Heart Halal festival, which made its Chicago debut last year with more than 17,000 attendees at Navy Pier, is coming back for a second edition in April. Three Lettuce Entertain You restaurants on the pier will join the food lineup this year, a news release and the Tribune announce, at the festival that will also include cooking demonstrations, entertainment, shopping and more. Tickets and more information for the April 11-14 festivities are available here.

Michigan-based Jolly Pumpkin implements changes at its Chicago location

Changes have come to Michigan-based brewpub mini-chain Jolly Pumpkin’s only Chicago location in Hyde Park. 16 months after opening, ownership has changed the service model from counter service to full service and added a host of vegetarian and vegan food options, according to a news release. A rep writes that ownership “took the feedback from the Hyde Park community seriously and changed their model to meet the desires of the neighborhood.”

Illinois’ minimum wage will officially rise beginning on January 1

The Illinois minimum wage will officially rise one dollar on January 1 and should hit $15 per hour by 2025. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill, which the Illinois House passed last week, into law yesterday.

A popular Andersonville cafe was awarded a $10K new look

And finally, popular Andersonville pie spot First Slice Cafe was awarded a $10,000 business makeover, Edgeville Buzz reports. Its new look will be revealed on March 9.