Business Updates in Naperville: Closures and New Openings

While the lively activities of summer may be winding down, business in Naperville remains active. Here’s a detailed look at recent closures and upcoming openings in the area.

Closures

Two well-established businesses, Elegante Salon & Day Spa and Great Harvest Bread Co., have ceased operations.

Elegante Salon & Day Spa announced through Facebook that it would close on July 25. Despite being in business for over 50 years at 15 S. Naper Blvd., it provided no reason for the closure and did not respond to requests for comment. The Facebook post indicated that the salon’s stylists have relocated to a new location.

Great Harvest Bread Co. also took to social media to share its closure after more than 35 years. They were unable to find a buyer for the business located at 192 W. Gartner Road. A decision was made to close when the lease was not renewed by the landlord. Attempts to contact the owners were unsuccessful.

New Openings

Back Nine Golf will soon open for golf enthusiasts at 1271 Rickert Drive. The facility, part of a nationwide network of about 200 locations, offers a membership-based, 24/7 service with golf simulators and practice spaces. Owner Russ Dawson plans to open in October, focusing on serving dedicated golfers. Unlike others in the field, Back Nine caters to various skill levels but is not focused on entertainment. Dawson hopes to collaborate with high school golf teams, offering them training facilities.

Shawarma Stop is set to open at 1292 Rickert Drive, taking over the former Kong Dog storefront. Owned by Uluk Kadyraliev, the new location will focus on fresh shawarma wraps, aiming for an October opening. Kadyraliev, who immigrated from Kyrgyzstan in 2010, began in the restaurant industry by washing dishes. His journey led to owning Shawarma Stop, with the first location opening last year in Schaumburg. The new venture reflects his college days when shawarma was a popular meal.

Dumont Creamery & Cafe, an Indian ice cream chain, is now open at Block 59. Known for exotic flavors representing different countries, they celebrate their grand opening from August 21 to 24. Special promotions include a buy one scoop, get one scoop free offer, and the first 100 guests receive exclusive goodies.

Lola’s Handcrafted Churros will open at 8 W. Jefferson Ave. this August. The shop, known for churro sundaes and various drinks, awaits city inspections before opening. Owner Mayra Serna also operates locations in Lisle and Yorkville.

Bonci, a Roman-style pizza shop, is opening at 22 E. Chicago Ave. By mid-August, patrons will taste renowned pizzas started by chef Gabriele Bonci in Rome. The shop will offer classic and seasonal options, with a chef appearance planned later in the fall for events including book signings.

Also joining the downtown scene are Cantina Taco Grill at 15 W. Jefferson Ave., replacing the former Front Street Cantina, and I Heart Gyro at 22 E. Chicago Ave. Cantina Taco Grill owner, Jose Oliver, aims for a September 15 launch, introducing tacos made with premium meats like New York strip and ribeye steak.