Bank of America Closing Downtown, New Mexican Sandwich Shop Opening

Bank of America Closing Sherman Avenue Branch

Bank of America announced on its website that the company is shutting its banking branch at 1705 Sherman Ave. on Feb. 8. The branch at 1336 Chicago Ave. will remain open, according to the bank’s website.

Sherman Avenue Starbucks May Expand

The tiny Starbucks at 1726B Sherman Ave. downtown could be expanding to a larger storefront, the Daily Northwestern reports. On Tuesday, members of the zoning board of appeals moved to recommend Starbucks’ application for a special use permit to construct a bigger location just a few doors down, in the vacant storefront at 1734 Sherman Ave, according to the Daily. The application just needs approval from the city council to go forward, the Daily reports.

Mexican Sandwich Shop Opens Downtown

A new restaurant called Aguas Tortas opened Dec. 11, 2012, at 618 ½ Church St. downtown, the former location of Uber Burger. The shop sells tortas (Mexican sandwiches), as well as burritos, quesadillas, tostadas, tacos and salads, all at budget-friendly prices. Early Yelp reviewers recommend the steak tacos and homemade sauces. 

Finders Keepers Opens On Dempster

Finders Keepers opened Oct. 20, 2012, at 611 Dempster St., selling antiques and vintage collectibles. “It’s an eclectic fusion of anything from 1900s to 1960s,” says owner Rhonda Collins.

Prana Café Now Renting Space on Oak

Just a few months after it opened at 1840 Oak Avenue, Prana Café is changing its business model. Father and son duo Ken and Griffin Cox opened the coffee shop last fall at the former site of MecaFresh Café, on the first floor of the Enterprise Building. Now, Ken Cox says they plan to rent out the space for meetings and events, and will offer coffee, pastries or full meals to groups interested in using the space. 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include new information about Prana Cafe, which initially indicated it was closing for good.