An exciting new restaurant concept is coming to St. Charles this winter — and it’s from a local, family-owned restaurant group that you’re likely familiar with.

The Aréchiga Restaurant Group, known for spots like Salsa Verde, Hacienda Real, and Tía Carmen, is preparing to open Playa, a coastal-inspired Mexican restaurant and lounge that will feel like an “escape close to home.”

Unlike a traditional sit-down restaurant, they’re aiming for flexibility, comfort, and an atmosphere where people can linger, move around, and get lost in the experience for a few hours. They plan to offer frequent live entertainment, private event spaces, and an an opportunity for folks to enjoy a unique, spontaneous night out that you can’t find anywhere else near the Tri-Cities.

I chatted with Carlos Aréchiga about the family’s story, how they built their growing restaurant group, and what to expect from this bold new concept. Click the button below to keep reading.

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Looking forward to Geneva Christmas Walk weekend? As you’re enjoying the festivities, make sure to stop by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church just off 3rd Street for at least one of the two free holiday events they’re hosting:

Both events are open to everyone! See you this weekend.

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☑️ For the birds: Geneva officials will consider a resolution to apply for Bird City Illinois certification, a move that comes after completing sustainability and habitat projects that meet the program’s requirements.

☑️ Chiropractor fallout: A Batavia chiropractor facing felony charges for secretly recording patients is now the subject of a new lawsuit filed by four family members alleging privacy violations, negligence, and other claims.

☑️ Chicken attack: Two dogs escaped from a Campton Township property and killed more than 30 chickens at a Geneva Township farm, leading county officials to cite the owner for allowing the animals to run loose.

🔒 Potential referendums: Geneva officials will soon consider whether to place two major questions on future ballots — one for a new police station in March 2026 and another for home rule authority in 2027.

☑️ Talking transit: Local leaders, including Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns and state Rep. Matt Hanson, voiced support for Illinois’ new $1.5B mass-transit funding bill and its promise of simpler fares, more frequent service, and better transit-oriented local development.

☑️ Burglar caught: A St. Charles man has been charged after Elburn police linked him to multiple spring break-ins at a Dempsey Street storage facility where units were damaged and items were reported stolen.

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☑️ Fire response prep: The St. Charles Fire Department recently hosted its first electric vehicle fire training, giving local crews hands-on practice with the unique challenges EV incidents present. See photos from the session.

☑️ Holiday tradition: The Geneva Christmas Walk and Holiday House Tour events return this weekend (December 5–6), bringing a parade, tree lighting, Santa visits, and a self-guided tour of decorated homes to kick off the holiday season.

☑️ Local farm spotlight: Kane County recently highlighted Strom Family Farm in Campton Hills, where a resiliency grant is helping the longtime family operation expand production, improve sustainability, and continue promoting conservation.

🔒 Pantry pressures: The Northern Illinois Food Bank, headquartered in Geneva, is reporting a 25% jump in demand this holiday season and asking for additional support as more families turn to pantries and SNAP assistance.

☑️ Get wild this winter: The Forest Preserve District of Kane County is offering a free Winter Wildlife Series with naturalist-led programs highlighting birds and animals active throughout the colder months.

✳️ Preservation Partners: Subscribe to Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley's free monthly e-newsletter, highlighting developments with historic buildings and events connected to local history in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles.

As much as I love hitting up some patio live music during the summer, there’s something about holing up in a cozy local venue on a cold, snowy weeknight to enjoy some tunes.

Add in some festive vibes during the holiday season and you’ve got a recipe for a fun evening.

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Winter may be fresh today, but spring sneaks up fast — and if you want a custom Valor Cart ready when the weather turns, the move is to start planning now.

And by building your own custom cart, you can pick every detail — color, seats, sound, underglow, golf bag holders, even a solar panel — and make it totally “you.” The best way to get started is to swing by in-person at the Batavia shop and work with their team to create your dream cart.

If a spring-ready cart is the goal, let’s get that conversation going.

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☑️ New Geneva gym: Alloy Personal Training is opening a new location on South Randall Road in Geneva in January 2026, offering appointment-based strength training in a supportive team environment.

✳️ Holiday shopping hub: Looking to pick up some thoughtful gifts from a local shop this season? Urban Artisan in Geneva has you covered with a wide array of fun, unique items for just about anyone in your life. Check out their full gift selection.

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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County.

✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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☑️ Festive fun: Gather Bakery in Geneva announced its full lineup of December holiday events, including cookie decorating, festive workshops, and seasonal tastings, and is encouraging locals to grab tickets early due to limited space.

☑️ FermiLab’s Hidden Past | Wed 12/3, 1–2:30PM | Baker Community Center, STC | Fascinating archaeology and FermiLab history with local historians.

☑️ Artisan Gift Sale | Thurs 12/4 - Tues 12/9 | Fine Line Creative Arts Center, STC | Shop gifts from 70+ local artists and pick up discounted supplies.

🎟️ 50s 60s Dance Class | Thurs 12/4, 6:30–8PM | Soul Studio, Batavia | Throwback dance with classic hits, no partner needed, all levels welcome.

🎟️ The Little Town of Christmas | Dec 5–7, Various Times | Playhouse 38, Geneva | Ten lighthearted holiday sketches with concessions and family-friendly fun.

🎟️ Geneva Lions Pancake Breakfast | Sat 12/6, 7:30–11AM | Geneva High School | Pancakes, crafts, live music, and free Santa photos for kids.

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