Isringhausen Imports has announced the recipients of the 2025 Isringhausen DRIVE Grant, an initiative supporting new business startups in downtown Springfield.
This year, two $20,000 Isringhausen DRIVE grants were awarded to two couples who both plan to open restaurants downtown: Corey and Emily Faucon of Long Nine Junction and Eric and Sierra Ferrell of Vondra Social House. In addition, the first-ever Isringhausen Ignition Awards will provide $5,000 each to 5th Street Gem and Schlee’s Gourmet Bakery & Bottle Shop.
The Isringhausen DRIVE grant program was initially launched in 2022. The inaugural grant was awarded to The Wakery, and in 2023, Ceramics Made by Rosie was the recipient. The program expanded from one grant to three last year, thanks to a contribution from a trust created by an anonymous Springfield resident who passed away in 2020 but wished to see downtown Springfield thrive for generations to come. Arrowroot Coffee, A Taste of Seoul and Golden Hour Bake House all received grants for 2024.
The grants are designed to be flexible, allowing applicants to apply the funds toward their most pressing needs – whether for construction, equipment, marketing or other key investments. The recipients were chosen from a pool of applicants through a competitive selection process.
Last month, the Faucons announced plans to return to their original location in downtown Springfield. The husband-and-wife duo operated Long Nine Junction for nearly four years at 5 Old State Capitol Plaza before closing in February 2021. The couple then moved to Petersburg and have been involved in several culinary ventures there. However, the lease for their latest restaurant, Mom + Pop’s, was not going to be renewed due to their landlord selling the building and The Wakery was in the process of vacating the space previously occupied by Long Nine Junction.
Vondra Social House is scheduled to open Nov. 12 in a historic two-story building at 724 E. Edwards St., just south of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The Ferrells have been renovating the property since purchasing it earlier this year following the closure of The Carriage House. Given the proximity to many state offices and tourist sites, the restaurant plans to offer a fast-paced brunch and lunch menu, then reopen in the evening as a lively cocktail bar with eclectic small plates.
Two additional businesses were chosen to receive Isringhausen Ignition Awards of $5,000 each.
5th Street Gem is an event and dining space founded earlier this year by Lakeisha Purchase.
While Purchase owns numerous residential properties that she rents out, she said the building at 221 S. Fifth St. is her first commercial project. Purchase is the alderwoman for Ward 5, which includes part of downtown. She told SBJ she was putting her money where her mouth is by launching her own business in a newly renovated building downtown after years of encouraging other entrepreneurs to invest in the area.
Schlee’s Gourmet Bakery & Bottle Shop is a boutique bakery and wine shop offering
artisanal pastries and curated vintages in an inviting, upscale setting. Ashley Rickenbach
relocated from Austin, Texas, to Springfield and partnered with Benjamin Galbraith and
Matthew and Rachael Hurley to launch Schlee’s. Located at 225 S. Sixth St., across from
Maldaner’s, Schlee’s opened Sept. 29 and is open seven days a week with both early morning and late night hours.
“We’re not just investing in businesses; we’re investing in dreams that move our city
forward,” said Cainan Barnett, marketing manager at Isringhausen Imports. “Since 2022, the
Isringhausen DRIVE Grant has now helped spark $150,000 in new investment for downtown
businesses, leading to additional energy and innovation. We believe downtown Springfield’s best days are still ahead.”
As in years past, the Isringhausen DRIVE Grant is awarded in collaboration with
Downtown Springfield, Inc., which plays a key role in the screening and selection
process. Once recipients launch their businesses, DSI continues to provide hands-on support
through mentoring, networking opportunities and ongoing guidance.