As summer activities wind down, Naperville’s business scene remains active with several openings and closings. Here’s a comprehensive update.
Closings
Two longtime businesses, Elegante Salon & Day Spa and Great Harvest Baking Co., have permanently closed. Elegante Salon & Day Spa announced its closure via Facebook, with its final day on July 25. No reason was disclosed for the shutdown. Elegante, located at 15 S. Naper Blvd., operated for over 50 years offering hair, skin, and nail services. Its stylists have relocated to a new salon, as per the announcement.
Great Harvest Baking Co. shared its decision on social media, mentioning they sought a successor without success. The business operated at 192 W. Gartner Road for more than 35 years. As the landlord opted not to renew their lease, the owners chose to close rather than relocate. Requests for further comments remained unanswered.
Openings
Golf enthusiasts can soon visit Back Nine Golf at 1271 Rickert Drive. With around 200 locations nationwide, this membership-based facility offers golf simulators and private practice areas for committed players. Owner Russ Dawson plans to open in October, aiming to cooperate with local high school golf teams for training.
Kong Dog’s former location at 1292 Rickert Drive will be repurposed by Shawarma Stop. Owner Uluk Kadyraliev aims for an October opening, bringing fresh shawarma wraps influenced by his college days in Kyrgyzstan. Kadyraliev moved to the U.S. in 2010, progressing from washing dishes to opening his first Shawarma Stop in Schaumburg last year.
Dumont Creamery & Cafe, an Indian ice cream chain, is now open at Block 59 and will celebrate its grand opening from Aug. 21-24. Known for its unique international flavors, the business offers a buy-one-get-one scoop deal during the event along with exclusive giveaways for the first 100 visitors.
Lola’s Handcrafted Churros plans to start service at 8 W. Jefferson Ave. this August. Owned by Mayra Serna, the shop awaits inspection completion to launch. Already established in Lisle and Yorkville, the business offers churro sundaes, mango lemonade, and specialty lattes.
Naperville will welcome its first Bonci at 22 E. Chicago Ave., a Roman-style pizza establishment started by pizza-maker Gabriele Bonci. Opening soon, Bonci offers renowned pizza options and seasonal specialties. Chef Bonci is anticipated to visit for a book-signing in the fall.
Additional downtown additions include Cantina Taco Grill taking over Front Street Cantina’s former site at 15 W. Jefferson Ave. and I Heart Gyro joining at 22 E. Chicago Ave. Cantina Taco Grill owner Jose Oliver specializes in upscale taco ingredients, expecting to open by Sept. 15. Despite being contacted, I Heart Gyro representatives have not provided comments.