5 NEW Businesses You Should Know About in Chicago's Western Suburbs

There's always something new to discover in the western 'burbs! From new restaurants and coffee shops, to lifestyle shopping developments and boutiques, there are plenty of places worth putting on your radar. Here are five new spots you should keep your eye right now:

1. La Plaza Taqueria — Wheaton

Wheaton’s food scene has another new spot to add to the list. La Plaza Taqueria recently opened in Town Square, bringing a delicious and authentic Mexican restaurant to Wheaton with tacos, carne asada, al pastor, ceviches, brunch and more. The restaurant also has a full bar with margaritas, palomas, beer, wine, tequila and mezcal. Perfect for your next date night!

Located at 421 Town Square, La Plaza is a fun addition to the growing collection of restaurants around Wheaton’s downtown and Town Square areas.

2. Poppies Pasta — Glen Ellyn

If you’ve been to Poppies Pasta in Villa Park, you already know why people are excited about this one. The popular handmade pasta shop is expanding with a second location in downtown Glen Ellyn, expected to open later this year.

Poppies specializes in fresh, handmade pasta and house-made sauces, with options you can take home and cook yourself or grab as a ready-to-eat meal. The original Villa Park location has developed quite a following, so its move into Glen Ellyn is one of those openings that foodies around the western suburbs will want to watch.

3. Fox Haven Square — St. Charles

This isn't just a new business — it's an entirely new destination. Fox Haven Square is bringing approximately 70,000 square feet of restaurants, shopping, fitness, entertainment and gathering space to the east side of St. Charles at East Main Street and Kirk Road. The 7.5-acre development includes multiple buildings, an outdoor dining area and a central community plaza.

The tenant lineup is exciting! Some businesses open now (or opening soon!) include Fire + Wine, Rosebud Steakhouse, Swank Coffee & Wine Lounge, Taco Mucho, Simple EJ's, OS Salon, Lou Malnati's, and Harbor House.

Harbor House is probably the most unique addition. The planned entertainment concept will feature pickleball, food and drinks, and other activities and entertainment.

This development is designed to be a place to eat, shop, work out, play and hang out — and it's bringing a whole new reason to visit the east side of St. Charles.

4. Warrenville Mercantile — Warrenville

If you love discovering small businesses, put the Warrenville Mercantile on your list.

Located at Leone Schmidt Heritage Park in Old Town Warrenville, the Mercantile is a seasonal marketplace made up of eight small storefronts featuring local entrepreneurs, makers, food, experiences and specialty products. The vendor lineup changes, which means you can visit more than once and find something completely different.

The idea is similar to the popular Batavia Boardwalk Shops, which operates as a small-business incubator with tiny storefronts that give entrepreneurs an opportunity to test their concepts, build a customer base and potentially grow into permanent brick-and-mortar businesses.

Warrenville's Mercantile is designed around a rotating mix of vendors throughout its season. Warrenville's 2026 season includes businesses selling everything from sourdough and baked goods to handmade accessories, beauty products, crystals and custom apparel.

5. JAYNE — Elmhurst

If you love shopping local boutiques, you've probably heard of JAYNE. The Chicagoland women's boutique recently opened its newest location in downtown Elmhurst at 124 N. York Street. The Elmhurst store opened September 5 and carries women's clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts, with brands including Free People, UGG and Kut From The Kloth.

JAYNE has been around since 2012 and has built a following for its curated clothing and accessories and personalized, hands-on shopping experience. The company currently lists locations in La Grange, Glen Ellyn, Oak Park, Geneva, Elmhurst and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, including a JAYNE Outlet.

Elmhurst shoppers now have another local boutique option right on York Street — and if you've shopped at JAYNE in another suburb, you already know what to expect.

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The western suburbs continue to grow and evolve! Which of these spots are you most excited to check out?

Be sure to follow along on YouTube or Instagram to stay on top of all that's happening in the area!