Columns

The parent company of restaurant chain Smokey Bones has filed for bankruptcy restructuring. Fat Brands Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late January. In addition to Smokey Bones, Fat Brands operates restaurant chains such as Fazoli’s, Johnny Rockets, Ponderosa Steakhouse, and Fatburger. Fat Brands is majority owner of the subsidiary Twin Hospitality Group, which […]

The MCL Restaurant and Bakery on Wabash Avenue has closed. A sign on the door of the restaurant, located at 2151 Wabash Ave., stated that the restaurant would be permanently closed as of Feb. 13. “Thank you all for the support over the years,” the sign reads. A recording on the restaurants call-in menu line […]

Sherman restaurant Fire and Ale has announced it will be closing this weekend after 14 years of business. Zac Copelin, who owns the restaurant along with business partner Justin Misiorek, said that, like many independent restaurants, Fire and Ale has faced significant financial challenges that ultimately made it impossible for the restaurant to continue operations. […]

It’s been more than a year-and-a-half since a fire on East Adams Street damaged several downtown Springfield buildings, and the rebuilding efforts are still underway. Chris Nickell, who owns the property where the fire originated, is applying for TIF assistance to accelerate the renovation of the street-facing portion of the building. The three-story building at […]

Schlee’s Gourmet Bakery & Bottle Shop opened five months ago in downtown Springfield and is now operating under new ownership. Ashley Rickenbach, who was initially overseeing day-to-day operations, relocated from Austin, Texas, to Springfield and partnered with Benjamin Galbraith and Matthew and Rachael Hurley to launch Schlee’s. The establishment at 225 S. Sixth St. focuses on […]

The owner of the Little Mexico restaurants in Jacksonville and surrounding communities is making plans to add a new location in Springfield. Hector Alvarado and his wife, Neri Hernandez, have purchased the former Paris Cleaners location at 910 South Grand Ave., which they hope to turn into their fourth Little Mexico restaurant. Alvarado is seeking […]

The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Springfield has opened in Legacy Pointe, the first hotel constructed since the groundbreaking of the SCHEELS Sports Park. The new 91-room hotel, located at 3951 S. MacArthur Blvd., is just south of and adjacent to the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, which opened in 2019. Both properties were developed […]

Levante Grill and Cafe, a new Mediterranean restaurant in White Oaks Mall, is prepping for its official opening on Feb. 1. The restaurant’s menu includes Mediterranean favorites such as chicken and beef shawarma, gyros, burgers, chicken wings, falafel and hummus. Owner Hisham Sweidan said all menu items are made fresh in the store with Levante’s […]