Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld announced the opening of the highly anticipated Homewood Brewing Company at the village board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8. According to the mayor, the brewery is set to open next Friday, Oct. 18.
the brewery’s location on a map of downtown Homewood.
(Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)
Homewood Brewing Company is owned by Carmela Wallace, her son Brian Wallace and Robert Lauderdale. Carmela Wallace is the mother of the late Jarad Higgins, also known as the famous rapper Juice WRLD. Higgins passed away in 2019. Wallace has said the brewery is a form of tribute to her son.
The 18,000-plus-square-foot brewery located at 18225 Dixie Highway will feature upscale comfort food and in-house craft beer. The relaxing atmosphere will include a rooftop garden, outdoor patios, as well as an event space and game area.
Another addition to the Homewood area is Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. The announcement of its development was made in August. The business is now officially set to celebrate its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 9 a.m.
Ollie’s is located at 3043 183rd Street next to Jewel Osco. It has the reputation of being America’s largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory. The chain with over 500 stores in the U.S. is a discount store that offers up to a 70% discount on brand-name items. They will feature items such as food, housewares, flooring, books, clothing, bed and bath, toys, and much more.
The company is taking the space last occupied by Big Lots, which relocated to Country Club Hills in May 2022.
The adjacent property, the former Brunswick Zone, bowling alley permanently closed in January 2015. As of Oct. 2022, the village acquired the property and brought in a developer. Earlier this spring the village has decided to redevelop this into a subdivision, and has notified property owners in the area.
A second tenant in the building will be a Bevda Wine and Spirits store. A tenant for the third space has not been announced.
Located in the out lot at Ollie’s at 3047 183rd Street will be Homewood’s third Starbucks. This establishment will provide service to customers using a drive-thru which was approved by the village board on Sept. 24. The plans for that project were reviewed and approved by the village Appearance Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission.