By Colin Patrick Brady You might not know it, but since 2011 Springfield has been home to a nationally acknowledged, award-winning music venue. Boondocks, located at 2909 N. Dirksen Parkway, was founded by Carole Grigiski-Keating. She runs it in conjunction with her husband Pat Keating, who books all the music, usually in the form of […]
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New face, new fair
Shawn Mayernick takes the reins By David A. Kelm The Illinois State Fair holds a special place in the psyche of Springfield. Much like President Abraham Lincoln and the horseshoe, Springfield takes great pride in the Illinois State Fair. And, really, our fair city can only benefit from consistently mentioning arguably our nation’s greatest President […]
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Sarra Sophia
Consignment boutique bringing local color to MacArthur Boulevard By Catherine O’Connor Tasha Kembrough is making practical use of her considerable knowledge in fashion and merchandising at Sarra Sophia, a new resale boutique at 2112 S. MacArthur Blvd. The location, the former home of a dry cleaner and tailor shop, benefits from traffic heading to and […]
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Changes afoot in real estate landscape
By Roberta Codemo Three local real estate agents recently left The Real Estate Group (3701 Wabash Ave.) and started their own firms, while two previously independent firms have joined The Group. “Real estate is a transient business,” said managing broker Mike Buscher. “People find other opportunities that are more suitable. There’s plenty of room for […]
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Nancy’s Chicago Pizza
By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. As with chili, horseshoes and burgers, the topic of Springfield’s best pizza is usually going to be quite spirited. Perhaps that’s why Springfield has seen an influx of new pizza joints over the past few months. The more the merrier, I say – it’s all good for Springfield. And the […]
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A flavor for everyone
From catering to house-flipping, savvy entrepreneurs see opportunity By Gabe House Josh Sonneborn, owner of Signature Event Rental, describes the company as his mainstay, the business he truly works at. Considering he has ownership interest in myriad areas – from event rental supplies to catering to bars and restaurants to rental properties to flipping houses […]
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Catching up with downtown Springfield
Editor’s note: On Tuesday, May 10, the Springfield Business Journal invited a small group to a business luncheon for the purpose of discussing the present and future of Springfield’s downtown area. It was held at the Inn at 835 from noon until 2 p.m. The panelists consisted of Brent Boesdorfer, owner and operator of Custom […]
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Trade Winds Pub and Eatery
By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. When a friend first suggested Trade Winds Pub and Eatery, I wasn’t sure where it was. Sure enough, when I pulled up and saw the yellow metal building, I would have thought I was at a small town village hall or fraternal organization rather than a restaurant. But looks can […]
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Clocktower complex is a stronghold of beauty and health
By Rhonda Buckhold Just off Clocktower Drive between Durkin and Monroe stands 901 Studio Salons, a pink brick building with tall fluted columns and grand stairs. 901 is the face of a unique concept enabling small business ownership through a combination of shared resources, partnership and mentoring. Lisa LaRue, a color specialist who also offers […]
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Gone for Good
Business employs adults with disabilities By Teresa Paul Gone for Good Secure Document Destruction, located at 1411 East Jefferson St., supports the community both through recycling and by employing people with disabilities. “Gone for Good provides NAID (National Association for Information Destruction) AAA-certified security, the highest certification available for secure document destruction businesses,” said Jenny […]
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186: Understanding the connection
Results of year-long survey expected to guide future By Catherine O’Connor There is no question that the challenges facing Springfield Public School District 186 are not unique as demographic shifts, economic pressures and social issues continue to transform the educational landscape throughout the country. Superintendent Jennifer Gill has embraced the challenge, opening the door for […]
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Coming to America
UIS increases focus on international students By Zach Baliva Drive around the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) campus on a warm day, and you’re likely to notice a student bowling to a batsman on the cricket pitch. Step into a campus building, and you may find a meeting of the Asian student organization. International students […]