Pita Inn, Burlington, Wells Fargo Bank planned for former Sears Auto at Six Corners, Ald. Gardiner says 

by BRIAN NADIG

A Burlington department store, a Pita Inn restaurant and a Wells Fargo bank are being proposed for the former Sears Auto Center, 4035 N. Cicero Ave., according to Alderman James Gardiner (45th).

“We met with representatives of the community/business groups, and they were in support of (the proposal),” Gardiner said. No zoning change is required for the project, whose developer is Novak Construction.

“We’re putting in another piece of the puzzle to Six Corners,”

Gardiner said. “We’re about 75 percent there.” 

Gardiner added that the planned retail-residential development for the former Peoples Gas site at 3955 N. Kilpatrick Ave. will be one of the final pieces to the puzzle. Already completed are the Clarendale senior living complex, an Aldi grocery store, the nearby Northwestern Medicine facility and the conversion of the former Seers store itself into a Target and apartments, he said.

Each of the planned businesses for the demolished auto center site would be housed in its own stand-alone building, Gardiner said. Two would be located along Cicero, with the third further east toward Kilpatrick Avenue and the nearby Jewel-Osco, he said.

“This will be the first Pita Inn in Chicago,” Gardiner said. The Mediterranean-style restaurant currently has five suburban locations, including ones in Skokie and Glenview.

In addition, an outdoor dining area is planned for the restaurant, and the bank would have a drive-up ATM under the proposal. An outdoor walkway would connect the restaurant to the bank.

The development also would include plenty of parking and landscaping, Gardiner said.

The project’s completion is estimated for the fall or winter of 2026, Gardiner said.

“This initiative represents a significant advancement in our mission to revitalize Six Corners, transforming it into a vibrant destination for local residents and a premier shopping district.

“We are particularly excited about the prospect of welcoming Pita Inn to our community. Known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, Pita Inn will enhance the diverse culinary offerings in our neighborhood. Its commitment to quality and tradition aligns perfectly with our vision for the area’s growth.

“This development is a testament to the progress we’ve made in rejuvenating Six Corners, blending historic preservation with modern amenities. We look forward to the positive impact it will have on our local economy and community spirit,” the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

Joe Angelastri, a chamber board member and owner of City News Cafe, 4018 N. Cicero Ave., said, "This project is a significant step forward in revitalizing our community. The addition of Pita Inn and other retailers will not only enhance our local economy but also enrich the commercial fabric of Six Corners."

At one time a Burlington store (formerly known as the “coat factory”) had been planned for the former Peoples Gas site, but that development was revised to include more residential units, eliminating Burlington and Amazon Fresh from the proposal.

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