🍺 Brother Chimp to open St. Charles location

Sometimes, repetition is a good thing.

In this case, it’s two remarkably similar stories in back to back weeks: a beloved local business shutters, and something exciting is now lined up to take its place.

Last week, we found out that the former home of Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse in Geneva will soon welcome Bread & Vine, a popular Galena-based restaurant.

This week’s, it’s an announcement from North Aurora-based Brother Chimp Brewing that they’re aiming to open a new location in St. Charles in the former D and G Brewing space.

I caught up with Steve Newman, Brother Chimp’s owner, earlier this week to talk about the new location, what it means for the Tri-Cities beer scene, and how the brewery has grown since its rather unconventional launch in March 2020.

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✨ Award-winning brunch at an unbeatable price

Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.

For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.

💥 Beyond brunch: Check out The Little Traveler’s Summer 2025 Almanack for upcoming events and exciting new products.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Staying status quo: Officials in Geneva and St. Charles voted to implement the a 1% grocery tax to replace state funding that will disappear when Illinois ends its grocery sales tax in 2026.

☑️ New official now official: St. Charles City Council swore in Jessica Bridges as the new City Clerk on July 7 after the original elected winner turned down the role and moved out of town.

☑️ Care crisis: Illinois ranks among the worst states in the country for nursing home care, with hundreds of facilities receiving the lowest possible ratings and residents calling for greater oversight, accountability, and funding reform.

🔒 Adult playground: A massive new entertainment venue called Harbor House is coming to the east side of St. Charles as part of the Fox Haven Square development, offering padel, pickleball, dining, drinks, duckpin bowling, rooftop concerts, and more.

☑️ Summer safety: The Kane County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with other local law enforcement agencies to crack down on speeding and other traffic violations during the month of July. Get details on the campaign.

☑️ Learning & planning: Geneva officials will host a July 29 community meeting at the library to update residents on the 2030 Strategic Plan and gather feedback to help shape the future direction of the city.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Spirit of STC: At Monday’s council meeting, St. Charles officials honored a local student, longtime volunteer, and historic business in a new program recognizing local people making an impact in the community. Learn who received the honors.

☑️ Seasonal scenes: The St. Charles Arts Council’s new juried exhibit Summerscapes opens on Friday (7/11) and runs through September 7, showcasing summer-themed artwork by local artists at the Arts Resource Center.

☑️ Deals & donations: Organized by the Batavia Women's Club, a Passport to Downtown event on July 26 will feature a self-guided trip to 10 local shops and help buy food for needy members of the community.

🔒 Independence Day rescue: Three good Samaritans rescued a runaway dog wrapped in garbage bags from traffic on Kirk Road in Batavia on July 4, later reuniting him with his owner. Evidently, fireworks scared him off.

☑️ Food & fun: As it continues its 10-year anniversary celebration, Beardsley’s Barber Shop in St. Charles has a weekend full of special events and giveaways lined up.

✳️ Choose your zen: On Sunday, July 13, Zen Loft Collective in Batavia will be full of feel-good vibes. It starts with puppy yoga (supporting a local rescue), then features an evening of stretch and sound healing sessions — the perfect reset for the week ahead. Check out the events.

🎸 Live music

There are so many local live music options to choose from this weekend, deciding where to go may be the toughest decision you make all week. By my count, Squire Ale House in Campton Hills alone will host six performances over the four days.

A good problem to have, of course. Have fun out there.

🤝 Local biz

☑️ New dining spot: A new Indian restaurant called Vatan just opened on East Main Street in St. Charles near Dunham Road, offering a blend of traditional Indian cuisine and craft cocktails. Check out their lunch and dinner menus.

☑️ Season debut: Wiltse’s Farm in Maple Park will open for its 60th summer season on Friday (7/11), giving folks a chance to stock up on fresh, homegrown produce like corn, zucchini, peaches, tomatoes, and more.

☑️ Pet pros: Monarch Veterinary Clinic — which specializes in small and exotic animals — opened this week on East Main Street in St. Charles. Learn more about the new business.

✳️ Da Pope: Urban Artisan in Geneva has blessed us with the ultimate conversation starter — Pope Leo XIV T-shirts that have proven hugely popular. Check out this Chicago Bears-themed Pope shirt or swing by their 3rd Street shop to see the full selection.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Windmill City Fest (Boo Boo Days) | Fri 7/11 - Sun 7/13 | Downtown Batavia | A carnival, live bands, food vendors, pet competition, sidewalk sales and much more.

☑️ Jingle in July - Sidewalk Summer Sale | Fri 7/11 - Sat 7/12 | The Pep Line, STC | A special sale with up to 50% off on furniture and decor.

☑️ Trend + Relic 5-Year Anniversary Party | Fri 7/11 - Sun 7/13 | St. Charles | Three days of live music, food trucks, shopping, dog adoption events, and much more.

🎟️ Peach Festival | Fri 7/11 - Sun 7/13 | Windy Acres Farm, Geneva | Celebrate all things peach with food, drinks, treats, activities and more.

☑️ Second Fridays | Fri 7/11, 6-9PM | Batavia Arts District | A lively gathering with live music and the opening of a new gallery at Water Street Studios.

☑️ Bubble Bash | Sat 7/12, 11AM-1PM | Geneva Commons | A foam zone, water activities, bubble crafts and more for the kids.

☑️ Pride at the Park | Sat 7/12, 1-4PM | Wheeler Park, Geneva | An afternoon of food, music, fun, and games, organized by Belong Fox Valley.

☑️ Grounded Plants Arts & Science | Sat 7/12, 6-11PM | Bogarts, STC | Shop rare plants, handmade goods, and science-y stuff with a drink in hand.

☑️ Elburn Fireworks Show | Sat 7/12, 7PM | Lions Park, Elburn | A picnic-style fireworks show with food vendors and good friends.

☑️ Illinois Vintage Fest | Sun 7/13, 11AM-6PM | Geneva Commons | Peruse an assortment of 70+ vintage vendors — clothes, collectibles, and more.

🎟️ Kane County Fair | Wed 7/16 - Sun 7/20 | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | Bull riding, demolition derby, music, rides, a car show, and much more.

🎟️ Cocktail Party Farm Dinner | Thurs 7/17, 6PM | Heritage Prairie Farm, Elburn | A “Cowboy Disco” themed party with live music, food stations, and cocktails.

☑️ Reminder: Save the date for our upcoming Tri-Cities Tunes on Tap live music happy hour event at Preservation in Geneva on July 23. Looking forward to meeting some readers.

📖 Thanks for reading

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