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 […]
Thomas C. Pavlik Jr.
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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 […]
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AI and the law
Artificial intelligence has rapidly transformed various sectors, from health care and finance to transportation and entertainment. As AI technologies become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, they present unique challenges and opportunities for the legal field. Most people probably don’t realize it, but the state of Illinois has taken a leading role in establishing artificial intelligence policies. […]
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New rules for non-compete agreements
I’ve had lots of questions lately about the new rule issued by the Federal Trade Commission that significantly restricts the use of non-compete clauses in employment contracts. This decision, announced in early 2024, aims to enhance labor mobility, foster competition and ultimately benefit both workers and the economy at large. Whether it will actually do […]
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Seoul 4 Soul
Dining options, especially for lunch, have been dwindling in downtown Springfield, which is why I was happy to hear that Seoul 4 Soul had recently opened on the second floor above Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. on Adams Street. Seoul 4 Soul advertises itself as a “Korean fusion bistro with vegan and vegetarian options.” It also […]
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Buying a business
If you want to work for yourself, you may well be thinking about purchasing an existing small business. It could be a printer, restaurant or distributor, for example. The current business owner may be looking to retire or is simply tired of the stress of owning and managing a business. Chances are the business doesn’t […]
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Chatham Cafe
I was excited at the prospect of Chatham Cafe opening in Springfield on MacArthur Boulevard, but a fire in the almost-completed space dashed my hopes for a diner in my neighborhood. With that in mind, I decided to venture over to Chatham to see what the original Chatham Cafe is about. Chatham Cafe looked like […]
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Statutes of limitation
All too often we operate under the rule of: Why do today what can be done tomorrow? But, under the law, that kind of delay may well result in certain rights being forever barred. Illinois law has specific rules regarding time limits within which claims must be brought as lawsuits. These rules are strictly enforced […]
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Brewski’s Pub
I’ve driven by Brewski’s Pub countless times but never stopped in until recently when I was craving a burger. When I think pub, I also think burger. My bad, as I should have paid more attention to Brewski’s logo, which proudly proclaims it’s all about pizza and beer. Other than sliders, Brewski’s has no burger […]
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Lake Springfield Tavern
Given my fondness for tavern fare, I was surprised I had never been to Lake Springfield Tavern. I’ve driven by hundreds of times, and I don’t think I even recognized that it was a tavern. Folks tell me that Lake Springfield Tavern has been around since Stevenson Drive was a dirt road. And, from exterior […]
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New laws
Our legislature has been at it again, passing a slew of new bills that have now been enacted into law. Mandatory paid leave Perhaps the most significant new law is the “Paid Leave for All Workers Act.” Illinois was the third state to pass a law requiring employers to provide paid leave to employees […]
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Ginna’s Cafe
I’ve been to SCHEELS, and knew that somewhere in the back of my mind the store served soda, coffee and fudge. What I didn’t know is that Ginna’s Café & Coffee at SCHEELS offers a full menu. Indeed, I visited Ginna’s Café & Coffee with a group of friends that goes out for chili once […]