Show summary Hide summary
Investors have received approval to add two new eateries next to Bradley’s busy retail corridor — a move local business owners say responds directly to rising visitor traffic from a newly opened sports complex and a planned indoor waterpark. The development promises jobs and more dining choices for families drawn to the area’s growing recreation destinations.
What’s planned and where it will sit
A single, 5,300-square-foot building will be constructed just south of the existing Buffalo Wild Wings in the Bradley Commons Shopping Center. The project will house a Dunkin’ and a local franchise of Pop’s Italian Beef, joining anchors such as Kohl’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart in the shopping center.
Powell to stay on Fed board as Trump administration launches legal fight
Mike Vrabel no-show at Patriots press event fuels offseason drama
The village planning board’s zoning variance was unanimously approved by trustees on Monday, clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the development.
Costs, timeline and staffing
The venture carries a total price tag of about $5.5 million, which includes roughly $1.2 million for the parcel, approximately one acre in size. Owners say they expect construction to start around July, with an opening target in spring 2027 if work proceeds on schedule.
When both locations are operating, the two restaurants together should employ about 40 people. Operators are still finalizing hours of operation.
- Building size: 5,300 square feet
- Estimated cost: $5.5 million (including $1.2M land purchase)
- Projected staff: ~40 employees across both outlets
- Planned start: construction hoped to begin July; opening spring 2027
- Site features: two drive-thru lanes plus dine-in seating
Who is behind the project
The Dunkin’ will be run by Ken Daley, who already operates two Dunkin’ locations in Bourbonnais and has been in the local market for about 15 years. The Pop’s franchise will be managed by Ken’s brother, Ed Daley, together with business partner Frankie Radochonski, both of Palos Heights.
Pop’s currently has 17 locations across Illinois; Ed Daley and Radochonski co-own sites in Romeoville, Joliet and Shorewood. The owners named a Kankakee-based contractor, PSI Construction, as the likely builder.
Why investors chose Bradley now
Owners said the presence of the 315 Sports Park, which opened in 2025 and features multiple baseball diamonds, played a major role in their decision. They also cited the planned Mattel Wonder Indoor Waterpark, a roughly $90 million attraction proposed near the Northfield Square mall site, as a future traffic driver.
Local restaurateurs point to a broader pattern: new family-focused attractions have already influenced recent openings in the area, including a second Culver’s restaurant. One of the project partners noted Buffalo Wild Wings performs strongly at this location, an indicator that event-driven foot traffic is already lifting nearby businesses.
Investors expect the combination of youth sports events and a future indoor waterpark to provide steady customer flow, justifying the development expense and supporting a favorable return on investment.
The exterior design will be brick, and the plan includes two drive-thru lanes to handle peak-period demand while maintaining indoor seating for walk-in customers. Exact operating hours are still being determined as the partners work toward permits and construction scheduling.
For residents and visitors, the new restaurants mean more dining options near the sports complex and mall — and more local jobs — as Bradley builds out its recreational and retail footprint.
