Store openings

Aldi has big plans in Illinois for its headquarters and grocery store locations, too.

If you have fond memories of shopping at Toys 'R' Us as a kid and were sad to see them close years ago, you'll be glad to know that the beloved chain has just opened a new Illinois store, but it's not the same as the Toys 'R' Us you grew up with.

It appears that the big are getting bigger. A group that owns and operates many Missouri Panera Bread locations reportedly just purchased 13 more restaurants.

If you're a fan of frozen custard and steak burgers and live in Illinois, you'll be happy to learn that a giant that specializes in both is bringing two locations to the state and neither is in Chicago either.

Well, this is interesting. 85 Sonic locations were just purchased and none of them were in Missouri. However, Missouri is definitely a factor as the company behind the acquisition is quite literally right on the Missouri state line.