Memorial Health has named Drew Early as its Chief Operating Officer, a newly created position that reflects the health system’s continued evolution. Early, who currently serves as CEO of Decatur Memorial Hospital, will assume responsibilities as COO while continuing to lead DMH until a new CEO is appointed. In this new role, he will partner […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
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Potbelly opening May 13 on Springfield’s west side
Potbelly is opening a location on the west side of Springfield on May 13, which has been in the works for nearly three years. Rob Wilbern, a certified public accountant who also owned Robert’s Automotive and several other businesses in Springfield, announced in 2022 he had signed a franchise agreement with the parent company for […]
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Hello Thailand to open in Springfield
China Express closed last month after more than two decades, but a new restaurant is already in the works to take its place on Toronto Road. Hello Thailand has signed a lease for the space at 1213 Toronto Road, located in a shopping center next to Pier 55 Lounge. “We just got the key from […]
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New HSHS Central Illinois Market President and CEO
Hospital Sisters Health System has named Brian Brennan HSHS Central Illinois Market President and CEO. In addition to his market role, Brennan will also serve as the president and CEO of HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He will join HSHS on May 27. In this role, Brennen will oversee strategic and financial operations at […]
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Harvest Kitchen + Bar expands hours, offerings
Harvest Kitchen + Bar held a soft opening in February, but the restaurant in Prairie Crossing has now expanded its menu and operating hours. “We’ve added a new dinner menu, which is completely different from the first menu we had focused on breakfast and lunch,” said Odette Yobal, who co-owns the business with her mother, […]
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217 Taco, Nacho and Margarita Week
217 Taco, Nacho and Margarita Week continues through Sunday, May 4. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo for a whole week. Explore the amazing taco and nacho dishes area chefs have created for these seven days. Many restaurants will also offer LALO Tequila margaritas. Participating restaurants are Legacy Pointe Eatery, Curve Inn, Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet, The […]
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State of Illinois Career Fair
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Illinois Department of Public Health and Lincoln Land Community College will host a State of Illinois Career Fair from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7. Taking place on LLCC’s campus in Springfield, members of the public can learn about job opportunities at the state and connect […]
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Capital City McDonald’s acquires all Springfield stores
Like many teenagers, Caleb Canada’s first formal job was working at a McDonald’s. But instead of making it a short-term arrangement, Canada stayed with the company and is now the vice president of operations for Capital City McDonald’s, a franchisee with 16 stores throughout central Illinois. “I started out when I was 16 and worked […]
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Boutique Drive to showcase women-owned businesses
Meghan Ramirez, owner of Elodie Grace Boutique, is organizing an event meant to showcase other women-owned businesses. Abe’s Babes Boutique Drive will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, with nearly two dozen businesses participating in Springfield, Chatham, Rochester, Waverly and Farmersville. “I wanted […]
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Westside Market to launch in June
A group of five women who are all small business owners with interests on the west side of Springfield are launching a Westside Market that will take place the first Sunday of each month, starting in June. Celeste Malham, who owns FED Kitchen, which recently merged with Papo’s Café, said she had a vision for […]
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Nominate a young professional for Forty Under 40
Do you know an outstanding young professional who deserves to be recognized? The July issue of Springfield Business Journal will feature 40 leaders who are under the age of 40. Nominees must reside and/or work in Sangamon or Morgan County. The selectees’ career paths, educational background and community affiliations are varied. You can expect to hear […]
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Loukinens’ on 4th closing permanently
Loukinens’ on 4th is closing again, this time for good. Co-owner and chef Keith Loukinen has announced Saturday, May 3, will be the last day of operations. “With the changes that have occurred in the dynamic of downtown Springfield these past few years, coupled with the skyrocketing cost of doing business, he has deemed it no […]