🍷 New owners, new restaurant for Graham’s 318 building

For the past year, one question has come up again and again:

“What’s happening with the old Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse?”

Some hoped for another coffeeshop. Others just wanted to see the lights back on. Now, we have an answer.

The downtown Geneva building, unused since the coffeehouse closed in 2024, has officially been sold. The new owners will reopen the space under a new name: The Kate at 318. A restaurant will move in as well.

The new tenant, Bread & Vine, is a Galena-based restaurant known for its French-inspired menu of all-day dishes, pastries, and desserts. This will be one of three new franchise locations they currently have in the works.

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💈 A century of cuts — and a milestone in St. Charles

In between duties as the Tri-Cities’ real estate expert, Chris Wallace found time to stop by Beardsley’s Barber Shop in St. Charles.

He chatted with owner Derek Swann about celebrating 10 years in business and carrying on a tradition that began with his great-grandfather over a century ago. To mark the occasion, Beardsley’s will be spotlighting fellow small businesses and giving back to the community all month — check them out on Instagram and Facebook to see what they’re doing!

📰 News to use

☑️ Mid-year changes: Several new state laws took effect on Tuesday (7/1), including taxes on sports betting, vaping, and gas, plus new rules for single-use plastics and short-term vacation rentals. Get the details.

☑️ Tin shop transformation: Batavia aldermen expressed support for a design for a new public plaza and self-cleaning restroom on North River Street as part of the city’s plans to transform the former tin shop site.

☑️ Vape vending: A company hoping to expand vape vending machines across the suburbs sees a possible path to approval in the Tri-Cities, even as other towns move to block them.

☑️ State divides: A new Indiana law that took effect Tuesday (7/1) lets the state look into moving the Illinois-Indiana border, but the push by some Illinois counties to leave the state still doesn’t appear likely to go anywhere at this moment.

☑️ Scary incident: According to authorities, a 40-year-old man was airlifted to a hospital Tuesday after sustaining serious injuries due to accidentally falling out of a moving car on Route 38 near Elburn.

☑️ Travel alert: At least 16 suburban Chicago beaches have been closed to swimming ahead of 4th of July weekend due to high bacteria levels, with more under caution advisories. Check ahead if you’re traveling.

☑️ Plan ahead: Batavia released road closure and parking info related to the 4th of July festivities happening on Friday.

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Advocate honored: Hugo Saltijeral, executive director of Batavia’s Valley Sheltered Workshop, has been named grand marshal of Aurora’s Fourth of July Parade in recognition of his leadership and community service.

☑️ Lighting up the stage: A brand-new comedy show from an award-winning writer about the joys and humor of senior life is set to make its world premiere from July 11-20 at Moonlight Theatre in St. Charles. Here’s what you can expect.

☑️ Special sweepstakes: The Rotary Club of Batavia has kicked off its 37th annual charity raffle, giving residents a shot at a $50,000 grand prize while raising funds to support local scholarships, nonprofits, and community projects.

☑️ Brains & beers: Sturdy Shelter Brewing in Batavia has launched a new educational speaker series featuring interactive sessions with professors, specialist, and experts about various topics. See the upcoming lineup of speakers.

☑️ Hi-tech hydration: Kane County is launching a smart sprinkler pilot program to help residents conserve water, lower utility costs, and protect the county’s long-term groundwater resources. Learn more and see how to participate.

✳️ 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

With the holiday on Friday, this weekend’s lineup is a little lighter than what we’ve come to expect.

Even so, there’ll be performances happening from noon through late evening on the 4th, so we really shouldn’t skip a beat.

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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.

🤝 Local biz

☑️ Summer sips: Have you heard about Mill Race Cafe, which is nestled within Mill Race Cyclery’s riverfront location in Geneva? They’ve got a nice little patio next to the shop. Check out their menu.

☑️ Back by popular demand: The STC Business Alliance announced that two more Unwind Wednesday events will be coming to downtown St. Charles in July and August.

💥 YOUR BUSINESS HERE: Get your message in this newsletter to connect with thousands of real, local people. Check out our easy sponsorship program.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Outdoor oases: An insider’s guide to patio season in St. Charles.

🎟️ Herring Breakfast | Fri 7/4, 7AM-12PM | Batavia VFW | A delightful Scandinavian tradition on the riverfront.

☑️ Kane County Flea Market | Sat 7/5 - Sun 7/6 | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | An outdoor shopping experience unlike any other in the area.

☑️ Shooting Stars Festival | Sat 7/5, 1PM-Late | Sidecar Supper Club, Batavia | Keep 4th of July weekend going with all-day live music and entertainment.

🎟️ Your Next Favorites | Sat 7/5, 7PM | The Comedy Vault, Batavia | See a handpicked selection of some of the best comics around.

☑️ Whiskey, Wings & Real Talk | Tues 7/8, 6-8PM | The Lewis, STC | A casual, approachable men’s mental health event with a guest speaker.

☑️ 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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