Heidi Clark has already been a business owner for more than a decade, but now she wants to bring a new concept to Springfield. She’s started the build out for Wellthy Juice Co, which will be located in The Gables. “I was going to open a juice bar next to the salon, and that didn’t […]
Comings & Goings
Mel-O-Cream closes Fairhills Mall location
Mel-O-Cream fans currently have one less option to find their favorite doughnuts. The store in Fairhills Mall, located at 1953 W. Monroe, has closed effective immediately, although owner Amanda Crossland said she hopes it will only be temporary. “Over the last year we have been trying to work with the mall property management, located in […]
Nami Poke opening at South Grand and MacArthur
A new restaurant concept will soon be opening at the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and South Grand Avenue. Hau Nguyen plans to open Nami Poke at 916 South Grand Ave. West, the site of the former Li’l Willy’s BBQ Smokehouse, which closed March 31. “I’ve been working in the restaurant industry for over 10 years,” […]
Kim Votsmier selling China Towne to a longtime patron
After more than two decades of operating China Towne, owner Kim Votsmier is selling the art studio at 4007 Yucan Dr. to one of her longtime patrons, Dr. Tabatha Wells. “She likes art and creating things, and that’s why she came to the studio and took lots of classes with us,” said Votsmier. Wells was […]
Bowl Plus opening in Chatham Square Shopping Center
A Japanese Ramen and rice bowl restaurant is preparing to open in the Chatham Square Shopping Center in Springfield. Bowl Plus will occupy the space next to Godfather’s Pizza in the strip center at 1754 Wabash Ave. Owner Steve Zhao has been a part of various restaurant ventures throughout central Illinois, including Springfield’s two Hibachi […]
Walnut Street Winery to close June 25
Walnut Street Winery was a second career for owner Loren Shanle, and now it is also coming to a close. Sunday, June 25, will be the last day of operations for the Rochester winery. “My son-in-law has received a better paying job and can’t continue with it,” said Shanle, who noted that his son-in-law, Josh […]
Building permits May 8-May 14
2222 South LLC received a commercial permit to install shipping containers to be used as food and drink distribution units for 2242 S. Sixth St. Contractor is 2222 South LLC and the project is valued at $10,000. Hope Evangelical Free Church of Springfield received a commercial accessory structure permit for 3000 Lenhart Road. Contractor is […]
Hanger Management, “fun food that tastes good,” opening at White Oaks Mall
Feeling so hungry that you’re getting hangry? Hanger Management is coming to White Oaks Mall, opening Saturday, May 13, in the food court space formerly occupied by Jerk Shop Go. “This is my first physical location,” said owner and head chef Keah Garner, who has operated Hanger Management and Catering since 2018. She said she […]
Butler Funeral Homes to be acquired by Service Corporation International
Butler Funeral Homes and Cremation Tribute Center has been family owned for five generations, but changes are the works for the longtime Springfield business, which was founded in 1893. “I am working toward a transition after a couple years of discerning the next steps,” said owner Chris Butler. “We have an agreement with a company […]
Building Permits May 1- May 7
Joyner Construction Services received a permit for new commercial construction of Friedman Plaza on Ginger Creek Drive. The project is valued at $900,000. White Oaks Plaza LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 2733 S. Veterans Parkway. Commercial Contractors Inc. is the general contractor. TR 530043 Marine Bank Trustee received a commercial fence permit for […]
Building permits April 24-April 30
Target Corporation has obtained a commercial remodel permit for 3445 Freedom Dr. for parking lot re-striping, stall parking signage and new light poles. The project is valued at $72,500. Niemann Holdings LLC has obtained a commercial accessory structure permit for 1700 W. Jefferson St. for a new Tesla charging station. The contractor is AEC Systems […]
Building permits April 17-April 23
TR LT-28 has obtained a commercial remodel permit for 2000 S. Dirksen Parkway to install a new men and women’s bathroom addition. The contractor is Allied Plumbing & Heating and the project is valued at $50,000. Apex Hotels LLC has obtained a commercial permit for new hotel construction at 2975 S. Dirksen Parkway. The owner […]

