The Smokey Bones in Springfield closed abruptly Tuesday, although the restaurant may not stay shuttered for long. A sign posted on the door at 2660 S. Dirksen Parkway reads: “This location is permanently closed. Smokey Bones has ceased operations at all locations. We thank you for all the years of letting us serve you.” However, […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
Posted inColumns
Knob Hill acquires Designer Landscapes
Knob Hill Landscape Company has acquired Designer Landscapes, marking the second time the business has recently changed hands. Patty Brockmeyer founded Designer Landscapes in 1985 and operated the Farmersville-based business for four decades before selling it in September to Bill Wells, who also owns Illinois Paving. “Since then, he’s had some health issues and made […]
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Long John Silver’s opens
Long John Silver’s held a ribbon cutting April 17 for its new location at 3112 S. Dirksen Parkway in Springfield. The newly constructed restaurant with a modern design was built between Hilton Garden Inn and Shangri-La Dispensary, near LJS’s previous location in the Capital City Shopping Center. A $1 million building permit was filed in […]
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The Creek expands
The Creek Pub & Grill in Chatham has completed a significant expansion. Owner Perry McAtee said he removed the wall behind the bar and remodeled the adjacent area, adding about 2,200 square feet to allow for increased offerings. The new space, known as “The Creek-Easy,” will be reserved for 21 and over to allow for […]
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Downtown Subway closes
Just over a year after it reopened under new ownership, the downtown Subway has closed again. In March 2025, ECI Investments purchased six of the eight locations owned by longtime operator Vern Evans after he retired following 25 years in the central Illinois market. Four of those acquisitions were in Springfield: 607 E. Adams St. […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
Heartland Credit Union selects new CEO
Heartland Credit Union has selected Aaron Rios to serve as its new chief executive officer. He succeeds longtime CEO Tom Lex, who spent 45 years with the organization. “We’re excited to welcome Aaron as our next CEO,” said board chair Jane Kiel. “His extensive experience in financial services and proven leadership make him well-suited to […]
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SIU Medicine completes demolitions
Heavy equipment has been at work near the headquarters of SIU Medicine, but the medical institution says it’s part of an overall cleanup effort, rather than immediate plans for new construction. Demolition permits were filed at the beginning of February for single family homes at 529 and 539 Hay St., 700, 704, 714, 716 and […]
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Fact or fiction: Is Golden Hour Bake House closed?
It appears the sun has set for Golden Hour Bake House, just over a year after the business opened a brick-and-mortar location. Customers of the downtown bakery and café discovered the doors locked on Saturday, Feb. 28, with no signage posted to explain the closure during regular business hours. While the business closed for a […]
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New Porsche Center opens
Isringhausen Imports has opened its new Porsche Center in downtown Springfield. Located at 100 E. Madison St., across from the existing BMW facility, the new facility is built to Porsche’s latest Generation 5 design standard and showcases the brand’s architectural vision. It features a panoramic glass showroom anchored by a 180‑inch LED video wall, an […]
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Downtown building slated for renovation
One of only five buildings on the Old State Capitol Plaza that remains from Lincoln’s time may soon be getting a new owner and a makeover. The building at 518 E. Adams St. has been vacant since the last tenant, Di Piero’s Sicilan Cucina, closed at the end of 2024. Owner Pete Praia opened the […]
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New co-owner for Coble Animal Hospital
Dr. Sandra Gilmore has become a co-owner of Coble Animal Hospital after returning to the practice in August 2024. Gilmore is a native of Oquawka, Illinois, and earned her doctor of veterinary medicine from University of Illinois in 2004. She began her career in mixed animal practice in Pike County, serving rural farmers and families […]
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Grand opening for Bob’s Discount Furniture
Bob’s Discount Furniture held a grand opening Feb. 13 for its Springfield location in Southwest Plaza, one of three central Illinois stores to open this month. In August, the national retailer began renovation work at 3251 S. Veterans Parkway. The former Bed Bath & Beyond space had been vacant since early 2023, when it was […]