Top Business Stories in Illinois: Oberweis Dairy Sale, New Barnes & Noble Opening, Unclaimed Lottery Prize, Trolley Beer Collaboration, Cookie-Centric Bakery, Hog Wild Opening Delay, Route 66 Ice Cream Shop

Iconic Illinois Ice Cream Business Sold for $21.25 Million After Bankruptcy

In a major business deal, a judge has approved the sale of the iconic Oberweis Dairy for a whopping $21.25 million. The beloved dairy, known as “the most trusted name in dairy and beyond,” announced its bankruptcy weeks ago, but now a private equity firm is set to take over.

The deal is expected to close on June 17, with more than 40 ice cream shops under the Oberweis Dairy brand set to continue operations. If the deal does not go through, a backup bid could be accepted, but for now, the future of the dairy looks secure.

In other business news in Illinois, a new Barnes & Noble location is set to open after a 17-year absence near Kendall County. The CEO of the book retailer expressed excitement for the store to become a focal point in the community for families, friends, and book lovers.

Additionally, a winning lottery ticket worth $450,000 remains unclaimed a year after it was sold. The clock is ticking for the lucky winner to come forward and claim their prize before it expires.

Local brewers have collaborated on a new beer inspired by the Ale Trail Trolley experience, while a beloved business owner is expanding to open a cookie-centric bakery alongside their existing store.

Despite some design tweaks causing delays, the highly anticipated opening of Hog Wild is still on the horizon, with the owner promising that the wait will be worth it.

Lastly, an ice cream shop that has been serving up delicious treats like banana splits, turtle sundaes, and ‘dirt cups’ for nearly 50 years remains a Route 66 icon, with the co-owner having worked there since he was just 15 years old in 1977.

Overall, it’s been a busy time for businesses in Illinois, with exciting developments and changes on the horizon.