Naperville Business Updates: CLOSINGS & COMINGS

As the vibrant days of summer slow down, Naperville’s business scene remains active with changes underway. This update provides information on businesses that are closing as well as those set to open soon.

Closings

Elegante Salon & Day Spa and Great Harvest Baking Co. have both closed their doors after decades of service in the community.

Elegante Salon & Day Spa announced its closure on Facebook, confirming its last day as being July 25. Operating for over 50 years at 15 S. Naper Blvd., the salon offered various beauty services. The announcement mentioned that the stylists have relocated to a different salon. However, no explanation for the closure was provided and requests for comment went unanswered.

Great Harvest Bread Co. also shared news of its closure on social media after 35 years in business. Despite efforts to transfer ownership, they faced difficulties renewing their lease at 192 W. Gartner Road. Ultimately, the owners decided to close without relocating. Requests for further comments were not answered.

Upcoming Openings

Golf enthusiasts will soon have a new location to hone their skills. Back Nine Golf is set to open at 1271 Rickert Drive. With around 200 locations in the country, this membership-based facility caters to dedicated golfers with simulators and private practice spaces. Owner Russ Dawson plans to open in October, aiming to offer locals a serious golf practice facility. Unlike entertainment-focused venues, Back Nine Golf welcomes all skill levels, fostering partnerships with local high school teams to provide training spaces.

Shawarma Stop is preparing to open at the site of the former Kong Dog store at 1292 Rickert Drive. Owner Uluk Kadyraliev, who started his culinary journey as a dishwasher, is now focused on launching his third Shawarma Stop location in October. He aims to capture the nostalgic flavors of shawarma that remind him of his college days back in Kyrgyzstan.

Dumont Creamery & Cafe, a chain known for international ice cream flavors, has already opened at Block 59. Their grand opening from August 21-24 promises a buy-one-get-one-free offer on scoops, along with special goodies for the first 100 guests.

Lola’s Handcrafted Churros plans to open its new downtown spot at 8 W. Jefferson Ave. this month, pending city inspections. The shop, popular for its churro sundaes, also serves a variety of drinks including mango lemonade and specialty lattes.

Bonci, a renowned Roman-style pizza shop, is set to launch at 22 E. Chicago Ave. Owner Chakib Touhami targets an opening as early as August 14. This location will showcase Bonci’s signature pizzas and specialties like peach pizza with ricotta and smoked salmon. The celebrity chef Gabriele Bonci is expected to visit later this fall for a book signing event.

Cantina Taco Grill will replace Front Street Cantina at 15 W. Jefferson Ave. Owner Jose Oliver plans to offer tacos with premium ingredients like New York strip and ribeye steak, eyeing a September 15 opening. Oliver, who also operates Taco Grill and Salsa Bar in Westmont, is realizing a long-held ambition to open in downtown Naperville after 15 years.

I Heart Gyro will also open at 22 E. Chicago Ave., though representatives have not provided further details.