Jean Bruner-Jachino has taken on a short-term leadership role with Downtown Springfield, Inc. Bruner-Jachino will step in part-time to assist the organization while DSI conducts a comprehensive search for its next executive director. Kayla Graven’s last day with DSI was Nov. 24 and she is now working for the city of Springfield’s Office of Planning […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
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Springfield Chamber hires Young Professionals Program Manager
Jasmine Dickerson will become the Young Professionals Program Manager for the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, effective Jan. 1, a newly created position intended to expand the Chamber’s outreach to young professionals. The Chamber launched RISE Springfield in February 2023 as a way to foster professional development, resources and networking opportunities for emerging leaders. “RISE […]
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Building permits for Dec. 4 – Dec. 10
KJL Enterprises LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 304 E. Adams St. Contractor is KJL Enterprises LLC and the project is valued at $35,000.
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Cat café opening in downtown Springfield
A cat café is coming to downtown Springfield. “We’ve been familiar with them for some time; we honeymooned in Japan where they’re originally from,” said Samantha Enz, who is launching The Cats’ Pyjamas, 413 E. Adams St., in conjunction with her husband, Tom Raymond. “About six years ago, Tom was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon […]
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Papi’s Pizza Pub opening Dec. 8
The former Pie’s the Limit on MacArthur Boulevard is now Papi’s Pizza Pub, offering Latin-inspired pizzas, pastas, salads and sandwiches, plus American classics. A soft opening is planned for Friday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. Owner Ryan Bandy purchased the property at 1710 S. MacArthur Boulevard in August, following the closure of Pie’s the Limit. […]
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Seoul 4 Soul bringing Korean fusion food to downtown Springfield
Korean fusion food is coming to downtown Springfield. Chefs Kimsimone Manning and Emily Tylman are teaming up to open Seoul 4 Soul in the upper level of Buzz Bomb Brewing Company at 406 E. Adams St. “Seoul 4 Soul has been my baby since I started culinary school back in 2014,” said Manning, “so much […]
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Sangamon County could see first wind farm soon
A German renewable energy company plans to file applications with Montgomery and Macoupin county officials early in 2024 for approval to construct the first phase of a multi-county, $450 million wind farm development known as Grand Prairie Energy Park. UKA Group’s North American Affiliate, based in Stuart, Florida, would build about 60 wind turbines in […]
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Building permits for Nov. 27 – Dec. 3
The Kidzeum of Health and Science received a commercial remodel permit for 412 E. Adams St. Contractor is Joyner Construction Services Inc. and the project is valued at $250,000. Salvation Army received a commercial accessory structure permit for 1600 Clear Lake Ave. Contractor is Michael Von Behren Builder, Inc. and the project is valued at […]
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Liquor license dilemma
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission is overruling the decision of Rochester’s village president to deny a liquor license to a business owner who had recently evicted his son. Village President Joe Suerdieck said Nov. 27 he hasn’t decided yet whether to appeal the commission’s ruling. He declined to speak further on the matter. “I don’t […]
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Five Guys closes White Oaks Mall location
After more than a decade of operations in Springfield, Five Guys Burgers and Fries has closed its White Oaks Mall location. Signs reading: “Sorry, this location is now permanently closed” appeared in the windows at the 2501 Wabash Ave. store Nov. 28. Five Guys, a fast food chain with a limited menu specializing in hamburgers, […]
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SmallCakes Cupcakery & Creamery reopening Dec. 1
SmallCakes Cupcakery & Creamery is reopening Dec. 1 under new ownership. The bakery at 2300 Wabash Ave. opened in 2018 but closed at the end of October after the landlord, Joyner Real Estate, filed an eviction notice against the previous franchisee. “In the past, we had done some marketing for the business,” said new owner […]
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BOS Center one step closer to major expansion
A tourism improvement district that would finance a $100 million expansion of Springfield’s downtown convention center cleared a major hurdle recently, with the proposed district – and a future surcharge on room rates – receiving majority support from the city’s hotels. “It’s a big step,” said state Rep. Mike Coffey, R-Springfield, a downtown restaurant owner […]