Stories about Evanston’s dining scene took three of the top 10 spots in the most-read story list on Evanston Now in August. They competed with news of the city manager’s planned departure, a possible hospital merger and major power outages from a wind storm.

Here’s a rundown of the top 10:

  1. Local coffee shop planned for former Starbucks on Dempster — Aug. 23 — Owner says venue will be like a European “all day café.”
  2. City manager to depart — Aug. 5 — The Evanston City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a separation agreement between the city and City Manager Erika Storlie.
  3. NorthShore reported in merger talks — Aug. 23 — Combination with Edward-Elmhurst Health would add three more hospitals to the six NorthShore now runs.
  4. Sweetgreen restaurant planned for Fountain Square — Aug. 20 — Healthy food chain has been growing fast.
  5. Local hospitals see huge jump in COVID-19 patients — Aug 13 — “The staff is really, really tired,” doctor says.
  6. ComEd: All power may not be back until Friday — Aug. 11 — As many as 6,000 ComEd customers in Evanston are estimated to be without power this morning after severe thunderstorms blew through the city Tuesday evening.
  7. Rollover accident blocks Ridge at Davis — Aug. 18 — Honda CRV ends up on its roof
  8. Former mayor defends embattled city manager — Aug. 9 — Former Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty Monday defended the performance of City Manager Erika Storlie, as the new City Council was debating her dismissal.
  9. New restaurants open downtown as COVID resurgence looms — Aug. 6 — One opened today, two more expected to open soon.
  10. Clothing, jewels taken in home thefts — Aug. 3 — The jewelry was valued at more than $10,000.

Bill Smith is the editor and publisher of Evanston Now.