Knob Hill Landscape Company has acquired Evergreen Landscape, expanding its services and locations in Springfield. “We are thrilled to welcome Evergreen Landscape to the Knob Hill family,” said Landon Kirby, president of Knob Hill Landscape Company. “This acquisition allows us to expand our footprint on the west side of town and provide a wide variety of […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Springfield Business Journal and Illinois Times.
Posted inColumns
The Filling Station opens in Rochester
It wasn’t a smooth transition, but The Filling Station in Rochester is now open in the building that once housed The Alibi. The property at 320 E. Main St. was a gas station years ago and Mark Clemens, a partner in the LLC that owns the building, decided to open a restaurant and bar with […]
Posted inColumns
SIU System moves into new downtown office
The Southern Illinois University System has moved into new office space, not far from its previous location. “We wanted to stay downtown to be close to the Capitol and accessible there,” said John Charles, executive director of government and public affairs. At the beginning of February, SIU System opened an office at 321 E. Adams […]
Posted inColumns
CAD Construction opens Springfield office
Two familiar names in the area construction industry are opening a Springfield office for CAD Construction. The Tremont-based company, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, started as a rough carpentry and interior trim union subcontractor. Over time, CAD Construction has evolved into a general contractor focusing on small commercial projects under $10 million, […]
Posted inColumns
Loukinens’ on 4th closes
Owners Keith and Laurie Loukinen have announced that Loukinens’ on 4th will “temporarily close until further notice.” The restaurant at 517 S. Fourth St., across from the Executive Mansion, opened in 2017 and featured “casual, upscale dining” using local, seasonal ingredients. According to Sangamon County tax records, the property was purchased in February 2017 for […]
Posted inColumns
Catie Sheehan to join SIU system leadership team
Catie Sheehan is joining the Southern Illinois University system leadership team as the executive director of marketing and communications, effective Feb. 28. Sheehan most recently served as the vice president of communications, marketing and advocacy for Hospital Sisters Health System, a position she held for five years before stepping down in May 2023. Prior to […]
Posted inColumns
DIM Art House closing its studio and gallery space
DIM Art House is closing its studio and gallery for the time being, but not ceasing operations. “Our landlord sold the building; we always knew it was a possibility but never thought it would happen,” said Christy Freeman Stark, who founded DIM in 2019 along with Joe Wallace and Jeff Williams. “The reality hit us […]
Posted inColumns
MJ’s Fish & Chicken to open on Fridays during Lent
MJ’s Fish & Chicken Express is opening on Fridays during the Lenten season, starting Friday, Feb. 16, offering a limited menu. Customers will be able to dine-in or carry out from MJ’s, 716 E. Enos, from 4-9 p.m. on Fridays through March 22. MJ’s will offer a catfish lunch ($12), catfish dinner ($16), walleye lunch […]
Posted inColumns
Crossfit XLT, Deep Roots Lawn Care relocate
Crossfit XLT just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and now the business is in the process of relocating to a new building. “This will be an improvement for our members,” said owner Bryan Bridges, who also works with American Family Insurance. “We are now moving into our own building.” Crossfit XLT has been operating out of […]
Posted inColumns
Hardee’s closes five area locations, one already sold
Five Hardee’s locations throughout central Illinois have closed, but at least one won’t be vacant for long. “The (Chatham Hardee’s) closed on Monday, unbeknownst to anyone. I called the building owner on Tuesday to let her know. But the buyer went ahead and closed on the property Wednesday,” said Jay Clark, a broker with The […]
Posted inColumns
Bistro Verde, student-led café at LLCC, reopens Jan. 31
Bistro Verde, Lincoln Land Community College’s student-led café, reopens Jan. 31 and will serve customers Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The café is open as Bistro To Go, a counter service concept, from Jan. 31-Feb. 29, offering soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, coffees and drinks. From March 27-April 18, the […]
Posted inColumns
Carlos Ortega named director of Downtown Springfield, Inc.
Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) has named Carlos Ortega to lead the organization as executive director, effective Feb. 1. Ortega most recently served as the executive director of Elevate CCIC, Inc. in Mattoon for nearly five years. Prior to that, he was a Peace Corps Fellow and also spent time working for the Peace Corps in […]