I will be working day shift. I’m pretty sure start time is 7am.

I'm thinking the OP will probably stay in hotels in Tinley Park as there aren't any nice places off Halsted. You are correct, there is not much traffic on 80 going either way.

Just received hotel details. Staying in Schererville, IN, about 30 minutes from the site. Did a quick mapping, looks like a bit of construction mess.

I just drove from there to site. Budged about 40-45 minutes in the morning. I'm assuming you're staying at the Staybridge on Rt 30. Hotels in Tinley Park or I80/94 and Kennedy Ave in Hammond are much closer, but probably not long term stays.

Schererville is a typical suburban town. It does not have any breweries, but there are a few close by.
There is a great burger place close to your hotel, called Burgerhaus. They have a good selection of local beer. Similar case is with Region Ale, they are less than a mile north of your hotel.
There are a couple breweries in Dyer and in Griffith. Munster used to have 3 Floyds Brew Pub, but now it's only a pick up window now for their beer and liquor.

Yes, the Staybridge.

So, now I know where I’m staying, I’ll need to research (sort of love to plan) nearest Costco, Trader Joe’s, Sams, or local supermarkets. My free time will be limited, as I’m there to work, but I’ll figure it all out. What is the easiest way to get to Chicago?

~1:36 mark...

David

There is no Trader Joe's anywhere near you. There is one in Orland Park, but that's out of your way between work and hotel. There is a Whole Foods in Schererville, a couple miles north of your hotel at US 41. There is a supermarket called Strack & Van Til that has a decent selection that is across US41 from your hotel, Walmart is also in that same plaza. There is also a Jewel Osco grocery store in Dyer that will likely be along your way when going to site. Costco and Sam's club are both located about 4-5 miles east of your hotel in Merrillville.
To get to Chicago or the site from your hotel, the fastest way would be to take US Rt 30, to IL 394. Then take I294 to get to site, or I94 to get to Chicago.

Wow, thanks for all the info you’ve given me. I won’t starve. The less I worry about where my next meal is coming from, the more fun I’ll have. Again, thanks for the directions.

You are welcome.
I grew up in Schererville and I'm there almost every weekend, so I know the area well.

What’s your take on Jalapeño’s, further up on 41?

Ha, didn’t see that coming.

I went there back in 2008 or 2009, when it would be converted to a night club on saturday nights, it was fun for a 21 year old. I never had food there so I can't comment on it, but It seems to still be popular.

All is well. I’m in PIT for a few days before the trip. What’s a visit to PIT without a meal at Primantis?

A visit to PIT without a meal to Primanti's is a better visit to PIT.

I’ve been pushed back again, about another week or so.