The owners of Cheeser’s Pizza in Bourbonnais received their permit yesterday (Oct. 13, 2009) to begin construction of their new restaurant.

Cheeser’s Pizza Buffet will be at 906 N. Convent St. in Bourbonnais. That’s in the newly build retail complex in front of their current restaurant at 161 Bethel Dr.

Interior construction of the space could begin immediately, with an opening date expected sometime in December or January.

The buffet will include salad bar, soup, pasta, at least 10 different pizzas, a dessert bar, and kid-friendly food, like macaroni & cheese and French fries. Carryout will still be available.

The owners, Cindy and John Karasiewicz, have owned the local Cheeser’s Pizza restaurant for 20 years. Earlier this year they announced plans to open a Cici’s Pizza Buffet franchise. They later decided against it, but they continued with their plan to expand into a buffet-style restaurant.

The new space will have seating for 100 and have a 50’s diner-themed decor. The current store is still open but will eventually close.

Cheeser’s Pizza Buffet will be open for lunch and dinner all day every day. Specific hours are yet to be determined. The phone number — (815) 939-2229 — will remain the same.

The owners of Liquor World in Kankakee will be opening a second location in the next month or two.

Liquor Zone will be at 963 N. Convent St. in Bourbonnais. It will occupy space at the east end of the north-facing building, which is also home to Studio Fitness Elite. The new retail complex sits just south of Culver’s.

Peter and Lucky Vachhani, who opened Liquor World 11 years ago, hope to have Liquor Zone open for the holiday season. The new location will be approximately 600 square feet larger than the Meadowview store, which is staying open.

According to Peter, Liquor Zone will have the largest wine selection in the area. He hopes to offer wine tastings if they are able to secure the necessary permits. As at Liquor World, special orders will be welcome.

Here are several updates from Jim at Jimmy Jo’s BBQ in Bourbonnais:

“We now offer delivery through the “To Your Door” service. Guests can call us and order or call To Your Door direct.

We have expanded our kids menu to include mac and cheese and PBJ sandwiches for the young ones who have not acquired a taste for bbq yet.

We offer 3 early-bird specials Mon-Fri between 2-5 for under $5.

While we are not open on Sundays, we can arrange for guests to pick up catering orders between 12-4. Orders need to be called in by Saturday at 7PM.”

Jimmy Jo’s is at 665 N. Convent St. in Bourbonnais. To order, call (815) 933-7500.

To Your Door can be reached at (815) 614-3456.

Vito’s Pizzeria and Pub (1887 Armour Rd.) in Bourbonnais now has a lunch buffet.

The buffet is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and costs $4.99. It includes pizza, salad bar, breadsticks, homemade soups and rotating hot specials.

The buffet service started today (Sept. 8, 2009).

Another update on Schoop’s Hamburgers: They’re now planning to open on Tuesday.

Hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Their phone is (815) 936-9090.

I’ve just learned that Schoop’s Hamburgers will likely open on Monday. One of the owners tells me they are mostly ready but awaiting some final inspections.

According to a press release I received today:

Aurelio’s Pizza Celebrates 50th Anniversary with 1959 Pizza Price Roll Back

WHAT: Aurelio’s Pizza is celebrating their 50th Anniversary by rolling back pizza prices to 1959 on Thursday August 20, 2009. Thin Crust pizza only.

WHY: In an effort to reward our loyal customers for 50 years of support

WHERE: The original Aurelio’s Pizzeria is in Homewood, Illinois (18162 Harwood Ave.) and the 43 franchisee locations mostly South and West of Chicago and in Northwestern Indiana. Visit www.AureliosPizza.com for locations.

WHEN: Thursday, August 20, 2009 during regular business hours while supplies last.

HOW: Thin Crust Pizza prices will range from $1.75 for a small cheese to $6.50 for a Fiesta Super Six pizza. The local police departments have been contacted in anticipation of traffic jams and long lines.

WHO: Joe Aurelio the son of the founder and the many franchisee owners want to thank their loyal customers for many years of support.

Since 1959, the Aurelio family has been devoted to offering the finest pizza, pasta and sandwiches at reasonable prices with fast, courteous and dependable service. Aurelio’s Pizza has. Their secret for success is dedication to customers and families as a quality pizzeria. Visit an Aurelio’s and find out why generations of families keep coming back to enjoy Aurelio’s delicious pizza. Visit www.AureliosPizza.com to find one of the 43 locations close to you!

Locally, Aurelio’s is at 1600 N. Convent St. in Bourbonnais.

Thanks to Butch Hovarter for sharing this update on Schoop’s Hamburgers:

“Schoop’s is moving along nicely. Our contractors are completing the finishing touches in the building. We are optimistic that we will open by the end of August. We are very happy with the project and especially proud that we stayed true to the buy local, hire local theme. We used a local bank, local architect, local contractors (98% union labor) and we were able to save a local 40-plus-year-old building. We are excited about opening soon and sharing our vision with the community.”

Aava Java (163 E. Bethel Dr.) in Bourbonnais has new Sunday hours. They are now open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Schoop’s will be open in August,” says Butch Hovarter, one of the partners opening the hamburger franchise in Bourbonnais.

The note he sent me went on to say, “We are hopeful for the week of the 17th provided everything comes together. We are all very excited and hope the public will come out and give us a try.”

I first reported last August that Schoop’s Hamburgers would be opening at 515 S. Main St. in Bourbonnais, in the building formerly occupied by Busse & Reick. Since then, Hovarter and Don Grobner, who owns the area Boz’s franchises, have been working to remodel the interior of the building. They also purchased the home behind the building and had it torn down to make room for additional parking.

If you’ve never been to a Schoop’s and want to know more about their food, check out their corporate Web site or read the comments on the original blog post.