Skechers is planning to open its first freestanding store in Springfield. A company spokesperson told SBJ a late August or early September opening is tentatively planned for the store at 2691 Veterans Parkway. The space is currently being remodeled following the departure of Treasure Hunt Deals, which relocated to 2930 Constitution Dr., across from Target, […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
Posted inColumns
Another downtown Springfield business closes
The Keep Store, Springfield’s first refillery, has joined a growing list of downtown businesses that have announced closures over the past few weeks. A July 12 Facebook post announced the business at 314 E. Adams St. had closed its doors for good. The statement from owners Ami and Mike Shelton noted they had considered relocating […]
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Don Smith Paint closes
A “business closed” sign is posted on the Don Smith Paint Co. building at 1724 S. MacArthur Blvd. The closure appears to be permanent, as the website and Facebook page for the business are no longer active. Google also lists the location in Bloomington as permanently closed. The Carlinville location had already closed in March […]
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Downtown property owner seeks TIF assistance
Mike Alwood retired from CWLP last fall, but he has already taken on a new career and is now preparing to renovate a historic building downtown to house his office. Alwood, a U.S. Navy veteran, began working as a lineman for CWLP after his military service ended. After more than three decades, he retired as […]
Posted inColumns
UCB announces Springfield-area market reorganization
United Community Bank has announced key leadership transitions and market reorganizations for the Springfield area. Steve Otten, who serves as the current Springfield market president, is transitioning to a mentorship role. He has been named UCB Ambassador, which will allow him to provide strategic guidance and leadership support while enjoying more time with his family, […]
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Maryflor Mexican Restaurant will close
It’s said that bad news comes in threes, and Maryflor Mexican Restaurant became the third downtown business in just two weeks to announce it would be closing. A notice posted on the door at 2 Old State Capitol Plaza Monday stated the restaurant would permanently close July 20. It read in part: “After years of […]
Posted inColumns
The Wakery owner addresses upcoming closure, what’s next
The Wakery opened downtown a little over two years ago, but owner Elizabeth Wake said the business has not proven to be sustainable, despite a strong public reception and winning several awards. “A lot of times a business closes and people say, ‘I didn’t even know that place existed,’ so then you know it’s more […]
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Springfield Gymnastics prepares to open new location
A year after beginning construction, Springfield Gymnastics Center is preparing to move into a new facility on the west side that is nearly twice as large as its previous space. Springfield Gymnastics Center opened in September 2017 at 3040 Hamlin Parkway, but temporarily relocated to the former Shop ‘n Save property on the corner of […]
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Tacology 201 closes
Tacology 201 was launched as the second version of the popular Mexican restaurant, which also experimented with bar partnerships at one point, but owner James Hamilton has announced that his time in the restaurant business has come to an end. On June 24, a post on Tacology’s Facebook page said the restaurant would be closed […]
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The Fountain on 66 opens in former Sonrise Donuts building
The small brick building at 1101 S. Ninth St. has a new name, a new motif and a new menu. A retro diner, The Fountain on 66, has opened in the building that many Springfield natives still remember as Sonrise Donuts. It opened in 1947 and lasted more than four decades, until owner Don Greenslade […]
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Coltin Cunningham launches Alpha Dog Inspections
Coltin Cunningham says he hopes his new business, Alpha Dog Inspections, will help others avoid the challenges that his family had to face. “It was a seven-year saga with our little girl,” Cunningham said. Shortly after he and his wife brought their youngest child home from the hospital, she began experiencing numerous health problems and […]
Posted inArticles
Springfield Chamber announces Small Business Award winners
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce hosted the 40th Annual Small Business Awards on June 24 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. The event recognized outstanding community entrepreneurs in the following four categories: Not-for-Profit Director of the Year, New & Emerging Business Owner of the Year, Small Business Owner of the Year and Lifetime […]