Springfield will soon have its first Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Rob Wilbern, a certified public accountant who also owns Robert’s Automotive and several other businesses in Springfield, has signed a franchise agreement with the parent company for Potbelly. Wilbern will open a total of five restaurants throughout Springfield, Decatur and Champaign, although the exact locations and […]
Comings & Goings
Three Twigs Bakery & Bistro will be joining Biscuits + Brunch and The Salted Lemon Market & Creamery under one roof
Emily Lewis said she always envisioned combining her three businesses into one location, but now Three Twigs Bakery & Bistro will be joining Biscuits + Brunch and The Salted Lemon – Market & Creamery sooner than anticipated. “We knew one day we wanted to create a beautiful space of our own where we would build […]
Roots Latin Grill adding Socavon, a bar and lounge
Roots Latin Grill is expanding with the addition of a bar and lounge just two doors down from the restaurant. “A lot of customers go to the restaurant just to get drinks,” said owner Luis Morales. “I wanted to make a lounge and bar with more of a restaurant vibe on the quality of drinks. […]
Building Permits Sept. 19 Sept. 25, 2022
BBT16, LLC obtained a commercial building permit for 2935 Clear Lake Ave. the contractor is Patrick Grunloh and the project is valued at $650,000. Mei-Hsueh Pan and Jon E. Sorenson obtained a commercial remodel permit for 3050 Lindbergh Blvd. Feng Yang is the contractor and the project is valued at $200,000. Illinois Sheriff’s Association obtained […]
Bungee fitness classes are coming to Springfield, with Bungee by Dene Fitness
A new concept in fitness is coming to Springfield, with Bungee by Dene Fitness slated to open at 4315 Yucan Drive by the end of the year. Owner Dene Romanotto previously taught group fitness classes at the YMCA of Springfield and Rocket Fitness in Rochester. “I had some injuries, and not having the ability to […]
Building Permits Sept. 12 Sept. 18, 2022
Connie Martin Baker, LLC et al in care of Martin & Bayley, Inc. obtained a commercial demolition permit for a car wash at 2801 Lindbergh Blvd. The contractor is modern Demolition and the project is valued at $8,000. CDS Office systems obtained a commercial roofing permit for work at 612 S. Dirksen Parkway. Williams Roofing […]
Empire Korean Steakhouse and Bar opening Oct. 1
A new concept is coming to Springfield as Empire Korean Steakhouse and Bar prepares to open Oct. 1. Co-owner Kevin Huang said his father owns the real estate at 2100 W. White Oaks Dr., which was initially leased to TGI Fridays. The restaurant closed in March 2020 during the statewide stay-at-home order and never reopened. […]
Truckin Good Food to open permanent location at Slauterhouse Brewing
Truckin Good Food launched a little less than a year ago and owner Nick Boucher is now preparing to expand to a second food truck, thanks to a partnership with Slauterhouse Brewing Co. in Auburn. Boucher started the business in October 2021 working part-time with one employee while also working as the kitchen manager at […]
Bella Boutique has added Bar Bella, a cocktail lounge and event space.
Bella Boutique has expanded its business model with the addition of Bar Bella, a cocktail lounge and event space. Elizabeth “Liz” Eckert purchased Bella Boutique, 2805 W. White Oaks Dr., shortly before the pandemic. She was no stranger to the business, having worked at Bella Boutique since she was 18 years old, first under the […]
Chipotle opening second location in Springfield
Chipotle Mexican Grill has a second Springfield location in the works. Construction is underway at 2325 N. Dirksen Parkway, which formerly housed an HSHS Priority Care. The fast casual Mexican company, based in California, has approximately 3,000 locations throughout the U.S. Chipotle opened its first Springfield location in 2008 at 2579 Wabash Ave. A Chipotle […]
Building Permits Aug. 29 Sept. 4, 2022
TJJR Properties, Inc. obtained a commercial building permit for 700 N. Ninth St. Evans Construction Co. is the contractor and the project is valued at $2,500,000. MGR Springfield Partners, LLC in care of Robert Feldgreber obtained a commercial remodel permit for 833 S. Spring St. Evens Construction Co. is the contractor and the project is […]
Cured Catering expanding to facilities in Jacksonville, Buffalo
Cured Catering has two simultaneous expansions in the works, one in Jacksonville and one in Buffalo. Brian Reilly and his wife, Melissa, started the business in March 2017. In September 2021, the business relocated to 3086 Normandy Road in Springfield as part of a contract with Chip Kennedy to purchase the real estate and all […]

