Bug-Infused Booze, Restaurant Bankruptcy: IL Business News

ILLINOIS — This week in Illinois business news, a brewery went buggy as it introduced a new drink for patrons, an ice cream shop nears its 100th anniversary and an adventure park planned some summer fun.

Meanwhile, a local smoke shop is adding luxury bath products to its lineup, and a waffle and crepe restaurant is heading to the 'burbs.

Here's a look at some of Illinois Patch's top business stories:

Cicada-Infused Malört? 'We Were Just Winging It,' Brewery Says

Noon Whistle Brewing's "earthy" cicada-infused Malört will be around for a limited-time only, and you can even bring your own cicada — to dissolve in the drink.

Walt's Ice Cream: Rainbow Cones, Superman, Turtle Sundaes And More

Walt's has been serving ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes and more since April 1926. Walt's is 98 years old, and stronger than ever — and it might even add a second location.

Crepe, Waffle Restaurant Special Use Approved By Board

It'll be the first location for Crepology, but the owners previously owned and operated two Mediterranean restaurants.

'Good Stuff Only' As Tobacco Shop Adds Bath, Body Products

A local couple has launched Chill Pill Bath Co., a line of locally sourced and handmade bath and body products. Each element—the scents, ingredients, label—have been created or curated by the pair, and the finished product now available at their smoke shop.

Raising Cane's Public Indecency Defendant Captured: Police

Police said the man targeted a teenage employee of the chicken restaurant, but has since been captured.

Red Lobster, Which Closed 2 IL Stores, Files For Bankruptcy

The customer-favorite "Ultimate Endless Shrimp," introduced last year, is cited as a reason for the restaurant chain's bankruptcy filing.

'Kneading' A New Location, Hewn Bread Shifts Plans For Suburban Shop

Hewn has racked up an array of accolades since opening its first location in 2013. It moved to its present location in 2020. In 2021, it was named among the "absolute best bakeries in Chicago" by Thrillist, and Food & Wine Magazine dubbed it the best bread in Illinois and the "region's most inspiring bread" in 2022.

Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest Planned At The Forge

The event at the adventure park offered beer tastings, live blues music and local BBQ offerings.