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Business & Tech

Business Comings & Goings: Francesca's on 95th Honors Teachers

Gloria Jean's Coffees Unveils its 'Coffee House of the Future' at Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall.

Francesca’s on 95th is showing its appreciation for educators by asking students to nominate their favorite teacher and by offering teachers 15 percent off their check when dining at Francesca’s between now and July 1.

“We wanted to show our appreciation to teachers,” said Francesca’s general manager Paul Frencl. Only one 15 percent off deal per table is valid, Frencl said, but the discount is good for everyone at the table. It also can’t be combined with other offers. Teachers just have to show a school ID to qualify for the discount, which is available from now to July 1.

Francesca’s also wants students to honor their teachers. The restaurant is asking students to submit their favorite teacher to Francesca’s Facebook page by this Friday. Then the restaurant will ask visitors to its Facebook page to vote and the top three teachers will walk away with either a $100, $50 or $25 gift card from Francesca’s.

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The students who nominate the top three teachers will each receive a $10 gift card.

Winners will be announced on Francesca’s on 95th Facebook page on June 8.

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“We’re trying to get the community involved with Francesca’s on 95th through social media,” Frencl said.

Submissions must include the teacher’s name and an approved photo, the teacher’s school and grade they teach, why the teacher deserves to win, their favorite dish at Francesca’s and the student’s name.

For information, call Frencl at 708-598-7007.

Plant Sale This Saturday

The Oak Lawn Garden Club will hold its annual Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the at 94th Street and Nashville Avenue. That's a new location this year. The club will also be selling containers, house plants, herbs, baskets, vegetables, garden art, oval planters and Perlite.

Citgo Employees Clean Up Ronald’s House

Employees at the Citgo lubricants blending plant in Cicero volunteered their time on Earth Day last month to help beautify the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Hope Children's Hospital.

On April 22, 38 company volunteers excavated stones, added soil and planted grasses and other plants to refresh the grounds.
 
"Every year, our employees participate in a spring charity event,” plant manager Chuck Stark said in a release. “This year, we chose the local Ronald McDonald House because we know the important role it plays for families whose children are being treated at Advocate Hope Children's Hospital."

The Oak Lawn Ronald McDonald House opened its doors in 2008 and has welcomed more than 600 families.

"We are so grateful for the hard work of the Citgo lubricants plant volunteers," Kelly Evans, house director of Ronald McDonald House, said in the release.

Gloria Jean’s Shows Off New Look Coffee Shop

Gloria Jean’s Coffees officially unveiled its first Coffee House of the Future this week at Westfield Chicago Ridge Mall.

The new look coffee shop features a barista espresso bar, a whole bean coffee table, a gift area where customers can create their own gift baskets, and seating.

"Our well trained team is very passionate about coffee and providing the highest quality beverages and food to our guests, together with outstanding service and a welcoming environment," said Gloria Jean's Chicago Ridge franchise partner Muddassar Alvi in a release.

The Australian-based company has more than 900 coffee shops throughout the world, with 74 in the United States. The Chicago Ridge location is between Aldi and Sears.

Heating Businesses Open, Pet Store Closes

A&S Heating and Cooling opened recently at 9831 S. Merton Ave., while Frank’s Heating and Air Conditioning Service opened recently at 10113 S. Lawrence Ave. Happiness is Pets closed recently at 10338 S. Cicero Ave.

Charter Fitness Offers Free Passes to Military

Charter Fitness is giving free gym passes to any member of the military on short-term leave from active duty.

The Orland Park-based fitness chain also is waiving joining fees for locally-based members of the military and their spouses and children. This deal also applies to local police and firefighters and their families.

Service personnel home on leave need only present their IDs and leave papers to qualify for the free passes, which are good for the duration of their leave and entitle them to full use of Charter Fitness locations.

For information and locations, visit Charter Fitness.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bob@chicago-patch.com.

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.blogspot.com.

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