🏗️ 43K Sqft Whole Foods in Buffalo Grove & More!

Stay updated on Chicagoland's local trends, developments, and market insights.

Happy Friday!

Whole Foods is officially coming to Buffalo Grove. After months of uncertainty, the grocer has signed on for a large-format space at The Clove, setting the stage for a major retail anchor that could reshape the entire development. 🍃

☁️ Today’s weather:
Cloudy with a high of 64°F. Just a 10% chance of precipitation, 54% humidity, and winds at 11 mph. Mild and calm, easy Friday conditions.

📺 Living in Naperville IL (What It’s Really Like in 2026): In today’s video, I break down what life is actually like in Naperville right now, from cost of living to lifestyle and everything in between.

🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup. 

Let’s dive in!

 —Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties

In case you missed…

Events

💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? 

This Weekend’s Events…

Salt Creek Ballet: Cinderella

Step into a magical world of fairy dust and dreams as Cinderella comes to life with dazzling costumes, whimsical characters, and a heartwarming story the whole family will love.
📍 Location: Belushi Performance Hall, Glen Ellyn
🗓️ Date & Time: March 21 | 1 PM & 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $44 Adults | $39 Child/Senior
🔗 More Info

Chicago Suburban Orchid Show and Sale

Explore stunning orchid displays, live care demonstrations, and shop unique plants at this two-day event hosted by the Batavia Orchid Society at Cantigny Park.
📍 Location: Cantigny Park Visitors Center, Wheaton
🗓️ Date & Time: March 21–22 | Sat 9 AM – 5 PM, Sun 9 AM – 3 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free (Parking $6)
🔗 More Info

Mariachi Mosaic

Experience a vibrant fusion of symphony and mariachi as Mariachi Acero joins the DuPage Symphony Orchestra for a colorful performance celebrating rich Mexican musical traditions.
📍 Location: Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: March 21–22 | Sat 7:30 PM, Sun 3:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $5.00 - $47.00 including fees
🔗 More Info

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

Watch This

🎥 Living in Naperville IL (What It’s Really Like in 2026)

📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
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Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/

News

🍃 Whole Foods to Open New Store at The Clove in Buffalo Grove

Driving the news: Whole Foods has officially signed a lease to open a new store at The Clove in Buffalo Grove, bringing a long-awaited grocery anchor to the redevelopment site.

Details:

  • The store will occupy a 43,000-square-foot space at McHenry and Lake-Cook roads.

  • An opening is expected in early 2027.

  • The move comes after a previous deal with Amazon Fresh fell through.

  • Whole Foods is owned by Amazon, which acquired the chain in 2017.

Why it matters: Village leaders have made clear that landing a grocery store is key to unlocking the full potential of The Clove.

The addition of Whole Foods could drive more foot traffic, attract new retailers, and boost surrounding businesses in the area.

The big picture: The Clove replaced the former Town Center mall and is being built out as a mixed-use development with retail, dining, and housing.

While several national chains have already opened, the lack of a grocery anchor has slowed momentum.

Between the lines: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds tied to the project require a grocery tenant in place, making this lease a major step forward after months of uncertainty.

What’s next: The retail mix is still evolving, with new tenants continuing to fill in and a design for Clove Park expected later this spring.

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Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 90,000+ people love the content! ⤵️

🍔 The Foodie's Guide

BREAKFAST

Rise N Dine Pancake Cafe (Wheeling)

Rise N Dine Pancake Cafe in Wheeling is a casual breakfast and lunch spot known for its classic comfort dishes and welcoming atmosphere. With a menu full of pancakes, omelettes, and hearty favorites, it’s a go-to local spot for a relaxed and satisfying start to the day.

CHECK IT OUT

LUNCH

Lucky Platter (Evanston)

Lucky Platter, founded in 1991 in Evanston, is a quirky diner known for its from-scratch cooking and loyal local following. With a fun, eclectic vibe and ever-evolving menu, it remains a beloved neighborhood spot where generations keep coming back.

CHECK IT OUT

DINNER

Maize + Mash (Glen Ellyn)

Maize + Mash in Glen Ellyn is a modern American restaurant known for comfort-driven dishes with a creative twist. With a warm, stylish setting and a focus on seasonal ingredients, it’s a popular local spot for elevated dining, craft drinks, and a welcoming neighborhood feel.

CHECK IT OUT

Market

📊 Real Estate Insights

The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.

Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.

Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.

🏠 Are you thinking of buying, selling, or investing in the Chicago Suburbs? We’d love to be your Real Estate Resource of Choice. Get started here!

Brandon Blankenship Real Estate Broker
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call or text @ 630.923.9535