Batavia Boardwalk Shops open for seventh season on May 8
Downtown Batavia's Boardwalk Shops return on May 8 for their latest season of local vendors, handcrafted goods, and weekly "Downtown Dollar" raffle prizes at the corner of Wilson and River streets.
The Graceful Ordinary's burger collab series returns with a James Beard finalist
The Graceful Ordinary's popular Big City Burger Collab returns May 7–15 with a limited-run "Vistro Burger" from James Beard finalist Chef Paul Virant that's decked out with pimento cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, and pickled asparagus.
Pal Joey's announces that it's closing its riverfront Batavia restaurant
The owner of Pal Joey's announced that it will close its Batavia riverfront location, citing "dramatic changes" in a heartfelt social media post that drew dozens of supportive comments, well wishes, and shared memories.
Power Moves Yoga shifts to bigger St. Charles space with free community event coming up
Power Moves Yoga has opened a new, larger space off North Avenue in St. Charles with plans to add cold plunge, sauna, float rooms, and contrast therapy — and is hosting a free spa sampling open house on Friday (4/24).
A tea shop that makes its own pottery is opening in downtown Geneva
Steep N' Clay, a family-owned tea shop and working pottery studio from Elgin, opens its second location in downtown Geneva on April 18 with tea samples flowing all day.
Riverlands Brewing celebrates 7 years of bringing the community together through beer
The St. Charles brewery just celebrated its seventh anniversary, and co-founder Steve Marck reflects on how a Fourth of July barbecue, a decade of homebrewing, and a commitment to transparency turned Riverlands into a Tri-Cities institution.
Seven Batavia businesses earned Ole Awards from the Chamber of Commerce for new construction and remodeling projects completed in 2025 — and two organizations also received Civic Impact Awards.
A Rooted Home is getting a permanent spot in downtown Batavia
A Rooted Home, a fan favorite from last year's Batavia Boardwalk Shops, is opening a permanent downtown storefront with a "first look" event this Saturday (3/21) and a Grand Opening on March 28.
Meet the Geneva neighbor who will reorganize your entire house — or small business
A Geneva woman has turned a lifelong obsession with organization and modern decor into The Polished Nest, a new home organizing and decorating business serving the Tri-Cities area.
7 Brew Coffee aims to open new location in St. Charles
The St. Charles Plan Commission recommended approval for a 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru location at Prairie Centre, bringing the chain — which has a highly popular Naperville location — one step closer to a local presence.
Jeans and a Cute Top Shop closes its St. Charles location after 15 years
Jeans and a Cute Top Shop closed its popular St. Charles location after 15 years, allowing the owner to consolidate the business into her Wheaton store and bring her St. Charles manager along for the transition.
Vintage Shop Hop returns to the Tri-Cities this weekend
More than 400 vintage shops across northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin — including 23 in the Fox Valley — will take part in the Vintage Shop Hop March 6 and 7, inviting shoppers to plan their own self-guided weekend road trip.
St. Charles Business Alliance points to downtown momentum while outlining 2026 goals
The St. Charles Business Alliance highlighted steady hotel occupancy, a successful Unwind Wednesday event series that it plans to expand, and a boost in downtown programming as it seeks city funding for its 2026 initiatives.
Geneva Wine Cellars announces closure, final sale set for this weekend
Geneva Wine Cellars and Tasting Room announced that it will close its Third Street location after more than 12 years and is holding a final 20% off sale on February 27 and 28.
Savia Cafe brings coffee, culture, and baked goods to downtown Geneva
Savia Cafe recently opened at Geneva’s Metra station, bringing a cozy new grab-and-go coffee and baked goods spot — with Mexican-inspired drinks and plans to expand — to the growing local cafe scene.
Club Champion opens golf club fitting studio at Geneva Commons
The national Club Champion brand has opened a custom golf club fitting studio at the Geneva Commons, offering tailored fittings to help local golfers improve their game.
Batavia's Bocaditos Cafe Awarded $10K grant through Main Street America Program
Batavia MainStreet announced that Bocaditos Cafe received a $10,000 national “Backing Small Business” grant, which the downtown Batavia café used to buy new equipment and expand its offerings.
A new speakeasy-style whiskey spot is materializing in St. Charles
An invite-only speakeasy-style whiskey concept called 3PM Social has begun hosting curated events in St. Charles, encouraging people to join a "watchlist" to learn about upcoming events.
Viking General Store: A Geneva-based apparel shop rooted in local pride
The new local clothing and accessory brand is building a following by blending Geneva pride, hometown nostalgia, and small-batch collections launched through pop-ups and online product drops.
Storybook Cafe set to open its doors in downtown Geneva
Storybook Cafe celebrated a ribbon cutting in downtown Geneva ahead of its public grand opening on December 21, bringing ceremonial-grade matcha, specialty coffee, and a community-focused space to 3rd Street in Geneva.
Earthmover Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its new Batavia branch on McKee Street with a multi-chamber ribbon cutting on December 17, marking its expansion into the Tri-Cities area.
New restaurant proposal aims to revive key downtown Batavia corner
Batavia officials signaled support for a $150,000 incentive to help bring a major new restaurant concept to the 15 E. Wilson Street space that previously housed Thorabella's and Gaetano's.
Limestone to take over Batavia library café in early January
Limestone Coffee & Tea will take over the Batavia Public Library café in early January, offering its full drink menu and partnering with North Aurora's Breads & Bakes Co. for baked goods.
