With all due respect to the fine people of Thayer, it’s not a location that’s top of mind for a nice dinner out. But that may be because they haven’t heard of Mick and Mary’s. Mick and Mary’s has had different owners over the years, and the place has ebbed and flowed. My personal favorite […]
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Q&A with Angie Sowle
By David Blanchette Angie Sowle grew up in a small town in Iowa where the YMCA was an integral part of the community. The summer before her senior year of college, she had an internship at her hometown YMCA, overseeing a summer program for low-income children. Seeing the profound effects it had on the children’s […]
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Let your inner artist dabble
By Pamela Savage Dabble is Springfield’s newest, one-of-a-kind, do-it-yourself arts and crafts venue. It is a business forged by family and created for the community. Sisters Ashley Striplin and Amanda Terry came up with the concept of a community-based arts-and-crafts venue following Terry’s travels through China. While living in China for three years, she noticed […]
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The Turkish grill on Wabash
Ugly Restaurant and Bar, a welcome addition to Springfield’s ethnic eateries By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. With a name like Ugly Restaurant and Bar, you had better have some good food and good service. Thankfully, Ugly Restaurant delivers. Ugly Restaurant is a Turkish grill. Your first thought may be kabobs, but there’s a lot more […]
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Artificial Intelligence is the next industrial revolution
“We don’t want Springfield to miss it.” By Annie Fulgenzi The next Industrial Revolution is here, whether you are prepared for it or not. According to local experts who recently took part in a panel discussion on the state of Artificial Intelligence, the consensus was: You can either get in, or get left behind. Artificial […]
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Cannabis now a growth industry
Springfield entrepreneur Chris Stone sees a bright future By David Blanchette Recreational cannabis is a growth industry, and Springfield resident Chris Stone plans to take full advantage of the potential behind the once-banned substance. “Eight percent of the population uses cannabis regularly, so how do we get to the other 92%?” Stone asked. “There is […]
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Hot Pot & BBQ Buffet
By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. Chinese hot pot is more than just a meal, it’s an experience – and one that’s done nicely by Hot Pot & BBQ Buffet. Hot pot originated in the Mongolian Empire and started out as a simple broth bought to boil in a helmet into which a soldier added horsemeat […]
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Evelyn Brandt Thomas – Iconic entrepreneur and philanthropist
By Jean Campbell PHOTO BY TERRY FARMER Evelyn Brandt Thomas is a well-known business figure in central Illinois and beyond. She and her brother, Glen, co-founded Brandt Fertilizer Inc. in 1953. The company, now simply BRANDT, has grown to be an international giant in agriculture. She is also recognized for her community leadership and giving […]
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Keeping it in the family
Sheehan & Sheehan is a third-generation law firm By Scott Reeder For Sheehan & Sheehan, Lawyers P.C., law is a family affair. “I can’t think of any other law practice in Springfield that has lasted three generations, yet alone one that has had two sets of brothers from each generation,” said retired Sangamon County associate […]
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Charlie Parker’s
By Thomas C. Pavlik It’s hard to believe that in all the years I’ve been doing restaurant reviews for Springfield Business Journal, I’ve never reviewed Charlie Parker’s Diner. Thanks to a group of friends who meet once a month for chili, this time has come. The group has been meeting monthly since 1999, and I […]
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Q&A with Val Yazell
By David Blanchette Val Yazell has held a wide variety of positions throughout her career, from working as a telemarketer and kindergarten teacher to serving as the interim CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the director of the city of Springfield’s Office of Planning and Economic Development. She’s also been a small […]
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SHG says so long to a good habit
By Scott Reeder Soon, for the first time in its storied 128-year history, a member of a religious order will no longer be at the helm of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. Sister Katherine O’Connor, the longtime president of the school, is retiring and a search is on for her replacement. The Dominican sister has led […]