A new breakfast, brunch and lunch spot will be opening soon in the former Ugly Restaurant and Bar location on Wabash Avenue. Renovation is underway to transform the storefront at 2312 Wabash Ave. into the Bespoke Café and Kitchen. Bespoke is owned by Irfan Djaferi, his wife Dia Djaferi, and his brother-in-law Neti Nuhiji. Nuhiji, […]
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Downtown Subway closes
Just over a year after it reopened under new ownership, the downtown Subway has closed again. In March 2025, ECI Investments purchased six of the eight locations owned by longtime operator Vern Evans after he retired following 25 years in the central Illinois market. Four of those acquisitions were in Springfield: 607 E. Adams St. […]
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New ownership, name for auto repair shop
A simple mistake brought the new owners of Ruggless Auto Service Center to the Springfield area. Tisa Sawin and Evan Moentenich purchased Ruggless from Roger Ruggless late last year and have since rebranded the auto repair shop as Monkee Wrench Auto. But moving to Springfield wasn’t part of the couple’s original plan. Sawin and Moentenich […]
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Sangamon County seeks applicants for Mental Health Board
Following voter approval of the March 2026 referendum, Sangamon County is now accepting applications for individuals interested in serving on the newly established Sangamon County Mental Health Board. The creation of the board follows more than a year of study and public input. In January 2025, the Sangamon County Board established a Mental Health Commission, […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – March 30 to April 5
KAMP II LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 3000 Hamlin Parkway. Contractor is Creasy Construction and the project is valued at $266,000. Amy Reinhart received a commercial remodel permit for 3329 S. Veterans Parkway. Contractor is Spirit Halloween and the project is valued at $300. Dr. Edwin Lee Historical Building Inc. received a commercial […]
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Merrill Lynch leaving downtown
After more than four decades downtown, Merrill Lynch is moving its Springfield office west.The financial services firm is relocating from 611 E. Monroe St., where it has beenlocated since 1981, to 3161 W. White Oaks Drive. The approximately 20 employeeswho work in the office will officially make the move this week. Diane Wagner, regional spokesperson […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – March 23 to March 29
Lo Stine Investments LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 300 S. MacArthur Blvd. Contractor is Phillip Anderson and the project is valued at $2,000. Mike George received a commercial remodel permit for 101 N. MacArthur Blvd. Contractor is Lucus Brown and the project is valued at $8,000. Mike George received a commercial remodel permit […]
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West side strip mall in the works
A new strip mall is under development on West White Oaks Drive, just west of Kohl’sand White Oaks Plaza. The development at 2901 West White Oaks Drive will feature six units of about 1,800square feet each. Prep work currently is underway, and ground could be broken at thesite “at any time,” according to Jerry George […]
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Kay Jewelers relocating store
Kay Jewelers will be closing its store in White Oaks Mall to move to a new location just across Veterans Parkway in White Oaks Plaza. The new Kay Jewelers will open April 29 in the space at 2851 S. Veterans Parkway formerly occupied by Sally Beauty Supply. The mall location will close at the end […]
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DSI names executive director, presents annual awards
The Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) board of directors has appointed Jay Shanle as the nonprofit’s new executive director. “I’m incredibly grateful for the trust the DSI board and our community have placed in me, and I’m honored to step into the role of executive director,” said Shanle. “Downtown Springfield has shaped so much of my […]
Posted inRestaurant review
Soy Oaxaca Mexican Restaurant
Soy Oaxaca, which translates from Spanish to, “I am Oaxaca,” is also the name of downtown Springfield’s latest restaurant. Soy Oaxaca itself is both a state and a capital city in southern Mexico. Some call it the culinary capital of Mexico (especially with respect to mole) but all agree that its United Nations Educational, Scientific […]
Posted inProfessional Development
The introvert’s revenge
A few weeks ago, I took a DISC assessment. This is something I’ve done many times over the years, but this time, the result surprised me. For the first time, my leading trait was extroversion. It wasn’t wrong, exactly. I can be outgoing. I speak publicly, lead workshops and enjoy connecting with people. But being […]