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, […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Land of Lincoln Credit Union to acquire local bank
Land of Lincoln Credit Union has announced plans to acquire Williamsville State Bank and Trust. While the agreement is contingent on obtaining regulatory and WSB Financial, Ltd. stockholder approvals, the proposed transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both institutions. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of […]
Leonard Williams joins CLP Insurance Solutions
Leonard Williams has joined CLP Insurance Solutions in Springfield. Williams, an insurance professional with more than 25 years of experience serving clients in Sangamon and Macon counties, retired from Country Financial in December 2023 and will now serve clients as an agent with CLP Insurance Solutions, located at 3050 Montvale Drive, Suite C. In his […]
Bret Mahoney joins Memorial Health
Bret Mahoney has joined the Memorial Health Human Resources Division as system director of talent management effective Aug. 18. Mahoney has more than 14 years of experience in talent management, most recently as executive director of training and organizational design at Loma Linda University Health in Loma Linda, California. In his new role leading Memorial […]
Insurance company alleges Wyndham owner caused damage
The owner of the Wyndham Springfield City Centre conspired to cause the extensive water damage that rendered the 369-room hotel inoperable on March 27, an insurance company alleged in documents filed Aug. 25 in federal court. Tower Capital Group general manager Al Rajabi attempted to fool Affiliated FM Insurance Co. to get the company to […]
Pet store to open in downtown Springfield
It’s been many years since downtown Springfield had a pet store, but Robert and Sonya Andrew want to change that. The couple plans to open Happy Scalez, an exotic pet store, at the corner of Fourth and Adams streets. The space at 122 S. Fourth St. was most recently occupied by Creative Reuse Marketplace, which […]
Red Robin in Springfield to close Aug. 22
The Springfield Red Robin restaurant will close Aug. 22, part of the first round of 10-15 closures nationwide expected to take place this year for the casual dining chain. In February, Red Robin announced plans to close 70 underperforming locations over the next five years. The casual dining chain known for its gourmet burgers and […]

