More additions to the Naperville business scene are on tap for spring and summer as the warmer months bring the reopening of a local staple, the launch of a unique breakfast experience and a pair of new shops.
Succulent Seafood bound for new location
Naperville staple Succulent Seafood is moving into a new storefront at the city’s Hawthorne Square Plaza.
For 28 years, the business had been serving local seafood lovers from its location at 192 W. Gartner Road, but owner John O’Connell was forced to chart a new course when he encountered issues with the shop’s landlord and lease, he said.
Its longstanding store closed at the end of January, and now O’Connell is preparing to open a new version at 1807 S. Washington St.
The Hawthorne Plaza location will be similar to what he was already doing, offering a wide selection of fresh seafood from lobster tails to calamari steaks, according to O’Connell. However, unlike the Gartner store, this one will not have a kitchen.
Asked about the change, O’Connell, 55, said, “Our age kind of caught up with us so ultimately we decided against (a kitchen).”
That said, the new spot will still sell a few grab-and-go options — things like crab salad sandwiches and dips and spreads — for those seeking a quick snack or meal, he said. They’re also adding a larger lineup of seafood cooking accessories, such as butter warmers and oyster knives, he said.
Succulent is ready to go but a few final approvals remain before doors can open, O’Connell said. The go-ahead should be coming soon, he said.
‘Eggs Over Speakeasy’ at Fontina’s
Fontina’s Italian Kitchen at 1767 W. Ogden Ave is now offering breakfast, but it’s not your usual sit-down morning meal.
The restaurant’s new menu, launched last month, is a kitchen-to-home operation, where orders can be delivered to a customer’s doorstep or ordered in person to go. There is no dining room.
Fontina’s owner Mike Bakos has dubbed the concept “Eggs Over Speakeasy,” saying the added menu embraces a speakeasy concept, with the new dining experience tucked into his standing restaurant.
A wide array of breakfast options ranging from open-faced breakfast sandwiches to rice and beans with eggs are available. They’ll be offered from 7 a.m. to noon seven days a week.
Main Street Promenade newcomers
A pair of businesses are set to join Naperville’s Main Street Promenade in coming months, according to Katie Wood, executive director of the Downtown Naperville Association.
Texas-based jewelry company Kendra Scott will be opening a location at 55 S. Main St. — next door to LOFT — this summer. Founded in 2002, Kendra Scott has locations across the country, including five in Illinois.
Also coming to the Promenade this summer is the swimwear shop Everything But Water. Selling everything from swimsuits to resortwear, the store is going in next to Kendra Scott, Wood said. Its other Illinois location is at Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg.
Both businesses are expected to open in July or August, Wood added.