With all the hits downtown Springfield has taken over the last few weeks, I figured it would be good to review one of its remaining restaurants. I’m glad that I did. Aunt Lou’s is at the southwest corner of Sixth and Monroe streets. There’s a small bar area zoned off from the main dining room, […]
Thomas C. Pavlik Jr.
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Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
Ramona Tacos + Mezcal is a truly welcome entrant to Springfield’s Mexican food scene, and certainly one that elevates the genre. Although not open for lunch during the week, it is on the weekends. It’s a place you do not want to miss. The physical space is clean and elegant. But for the view out […]
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The lurking danger of legacy liability
One would think that when purchasing a business through an asset sale, a seller’s legacy liabilities stay with the seller and don’t attach to the buyer. In most instances that’s true. The purchaser of a business asset is not going to be on the hook for existing liabilities connected to the assets. But there are […]
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The Lumpia House
The Lumpia House brings the vibrant flavors of Filipino street food to the heart of the Midwest. It’s quickly made a name for itself in the local dining scene and both novice and seasoned diners will find it delightful. The Lumpia House started out as a food truck. But its growing popularity led to the […]
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CD’S BBQ
CD’s BBQ is a family-owned restaurant near the intersection of North Grand Avenue and Eighth Street. The “C” is for Cecil Turner, who’s been barbecuing virtually his whole life, while the “D” is for his wife, Doris Turner, who helps prepare the food when she isn’t at the Statehouse performing her duties as a senator. […]
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Cozy Dog Drive In
I’ve never been a big fan of hot dogs. A few times a year when I’m at the ballpark or some other big venue I’ll opt for one, especially if brown mustard is available. Or late at night after a few beers, a Chicago dog might be called for – but not your general boiled […]
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When boilerplate is not the best option
I recently met with a prospective client to discuss representing him in a possible business venture. As we discussed the scope of my representation, he said that he planned to sign some standard contracts with various venders and he would not need my help because, other than the price terms, it was all just boilerplate. […]
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Fairlane Diner
I grew up in Cleveland, where the phrase rock ‘n’ roll was first coined. And I even went to the epic celebratory party when Cleveland was awarded the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So yes, I’ve got a bit of affinity for it starting all the way back in the 1950s, which is why […]
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New laws in 2025 will affect Illinois employers
Starting in 2025, there will be quite a few new laws that will affect Illinois employers. Changes include wage transparency obligations in job postings, inclusion of family responsibilities and reproductive health decisions as protected categories under the Illinois Human Rights Act, stricter record keeping and access requirements under the Personnel Records Review Act and additional […]
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Commercial property insurance 101
Commercial property insurance The recent fire on Adams Street downtown has raised some interesting questions about commercial property insurance coverage, especially from a tenant’s perspective. When leasing a commercial space, tenants generally focus on the main terms of the lease, typically the rent and the question of which party bears the expense of maintenance and […]
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Yummy Bowl
I’ve heard about Yummy Bowl for quite some time but had never visited until now, which was my loss. Most of the comments I heard were about how crowded it is and how much creativity diners used in loading their bowl – but more on that later. My friend and I planned to have lunch […]
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A sampling of Springfield’s chili
Every month for over more than 20 years, a group of four friends have been visiting Springfield restaurants and taverns to sample chili. They’ve all become good friends of mine, and we’ve shared hundreds of rounds of golf together. So, I was very pleased when they decided to add me and another friend as probationary […]