In the wake of the assassination of conservative pundit Charlie Kirk, a city of Springfield department head posted something on Facebook critical of the influencer and now he no longer has a job. “I had never heard of this guy before he got shot,” James ‘Jayme’ Sullivan told Illinois Times. “I was on vacation when […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
Posted inComings & Goings
Hank’s Power & Equipment closes
Hank’s Power & Equipment has closed its Springfield location and the property owner has listed the buildings for sale. Springfield Mowers & Power Equipment occupied the buildings at 1808 W. Jefferson St. from 2019 until October 2021 when a fire at the business killed the owner, Robert Kalabus. His widow, Stephanie Kalabus, told SBJ at […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Former Standard Mutual building to be auctioned
The brick building at the southwest corner of MacArthur Boulevard and South Grand Avenue is about to change hands for the first time. The office building at 1028 South Grand Ave. W. was built for Standard Mutual Insurance Company in the late 1950s. Evans Construction served as the general contractor and also oversaw construction of […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
Elizabeth Wake to join NPR Illinois
Elizabeth Wake is joining NPR Illinois as a sponsorship account executive, effective Sept. 16. “This position will be getting underwriting for NPR from businesses,” Wake said. “It takes all of my favorite things and combines it with my business experience.” Wake opened The Wakery in April 2023 as a new concept for downtown, a late […]
Posted inComings & Goings
New buyer for old Burger King
MJ’s Fish & Chicken Express is on the move again. Jerome and Margaret Taylor started the business in a concession trailer in 2015 but have had a brick-and-mortar location in the Enos Park neighborhood since 2017. They purchased the building at 716 E. Enos Ave. as a turn-key operation from the previous occupant, Susie Q’s […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Springfield Clinic seeks new west-side location
Springfield Clinic wants to use the former site of Ashley Furniture Outlet and Barney’s Furniture on Springfield’s west side for storage and eventually for retail sales of medical equipment and devices. The multispecialty physician group’s request for zoning to allow for those plans at 1987 Wabash Ave. will be considered Sept. 17 by the Springfield […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Bourbon Street adds food service
Bourbon Street Rhythm & Ribs, 1031 South Grand Ave. East, has reopened its kitchen and is now offering food service Thursday through Sunday. “It’s been at least six years since we had food service, and I’ve been trying for some time to bring it back,” said bar manager Deb Smith. “There’s a market for it, […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – Sept. 1 to Sept. 7
LSI Springfield LLC received a commercial accessory structure permit for a tent at 3441 Lumber Lane. Contractor is Noonan Equipment and Event Rental and the project is valued at $1,940. Springfield Columbus Home Association received a commercial accessory structure permit for a tent at 2200 S. Meadowbrook Road. Contractor is Noonan Equipment and Event Rental […]
Posted inArticles
Myers Building celebrates 100 years
The Myers Building in downtown Springfield celebrated its 100th anniversary on Sept. 8. Mayor Misty Buscher and Ryan McCrady, president and CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, met with Steve Myers and Julie Myers Casper to discuss the history and future of the iconic downtown building. The historic property now has a new owner after […]
Posted inPeople on the Move
Amanda Brown named city communications director
Amanda Brown has been named the communications director for the city of Springfield. Brown, 24, most recently worked for the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus as a membership engagement coordinator. Brown said that while she enjoyed her time working in state government, “local government has always had a special place in my heart.” She said she […]
Posted inAnnouncements
First Citizen program accepting nominations
The First Citizen award program is accepting nominations through Oct. 15, and the winner will be announced at a public event on Nov. 12. The award, which recognizes individuals whose service has significantly contributed to the betterment of the Springfield area, was created in 1963 by Springfield’s Copley-owned newspaper. The award had been associated with […]
Posted inComings & Goings
Long Nine Junction to return downtown
A restaurant is returning to downtown Springfield with the same name and location, but a slightly different format. Corey and Emily Faucon 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 […]