A former restaurant in a historic Springfield neighborhood has new owners who plan to reopen it with a different focus. Eric and Sierra Ferrell purchased the property at 724 E. Edwards St. in April for $110,000, according to Sangamon County tax records. The historic two-story building just south of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site […]
Newsletter – Taste
Entertainment complex with food court under construction in Legacy Pointe
A new entertainment complex and indoor/outdoor food court is under construction in Legacy Pointe. A group of local developers has broken ground for Legends Entertainment, a 46,000-square-foot complex that will house a food court with five local restaurants, two bars, a bowling alley and gaming for both kids and adults. While plans for the new […]
New ownership for The Track Shack
The Track Shack has been owned and operated by the same family since 1959, but that is about to change. Joe Jannazzo, who has owned the iconic bar and grill at 233 E. Laurel St. since 1979, told SBJ that he is selling the business to Todd Rauthenberg. Rauthenberg most recently served as the general […]
HARVEST KITCHEN + BAR
Located in Prairie Crossing in the former Sweet Basil Café, Harvest Kitchen + Bar offers a contemporary dining experience that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Its lunch menu features a variety of dishes that cater to diverse palates, each crafted with care and attention to detail. Odette Yobal, a fresh-faced 19-year-old, is Harvest’s co-owner along […]
Nelson’s Catering celebrates 30 years
Nelson’s Catering of Springfield was founded in 1995 and began operations from the back of the Williamsville IGA, using a single pickup truck with a camper top to service clients. The business has grown substantially from its humble beginnings and is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new barbecue menu, online ordering and a continued […]
Renovations underway for Schlee’s Gourmet Bakery & Bottle Shop
Renovations have begun on a downtown building that is slated to become a coffee shop, bakery and wine bar. Plans for Schlee’s Gourmet Bakery & Bottle Shop were initially announced last fall, but co-owner Ashley Rickenbach said the scale of renovations needed to turn the former hair salon at 225 S. Sixth St. into a space with […]
Potbelly opening May 13 on Springfield’s west side
Potbelly is opening a location on the west side of Springfield on May 13, which has been in the works for nearly three years. Rob Wilbern, a certified public accountant who also owned Robert’s Automotive and several other businesses in Springfield, announced in 2022 he had signed a franchise agreement with the parent company for […]
Hello Thailand to open in Springfield
China Express closed last month after more than two decades, but a new restaurant is already in the works to take its place on Toronto Road. Hello Thailand has signed a lease for the space at 1213 Toronto Road, located in a shopping center next to Pier 55 Lounge. “We just got the key from […]
Harvest Kitchen + Bar expands hours, offerings
Harvest Kitchen + Bar held a soft opening in February, but the restaurant in Prairie Crossing has now expanded its menu and operating hours. “We’ve added a new dinner menu, which is completely different from the first menu we had focused on breakfast and lunch,” said Odette Yobal, who co-owns the business with her mother, […]
The Lumpia House
The Lumpia House brings the vibrant flavors of Filipino street food to the heart of the Midwest. It’s quickly made a name for itself in the local dining scene and both novice and seasoned diners will find it delightful. The Lumpia House started out as a food truck. But its growing popularity led to the […]
A bill to boost beer breweries
A bill currently being considered by the General Assembly is aimed at making life easier – and more profitable – for small craft beer companies throughout the state. “The majority of Illinois liquor law is pretty much from the 1930s, like Prohibition era,” said Brent Schwoerer, owner, founder and brewmaster at Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Co. […]
Westside Market to launch in June
A group of five women who are all small business owners with interests on the west side of Springfield are launching a Westside Market that will take place the first Sunday of each month, starting in June. Celeste Malham, who owns FED Kitchen, which recently merged with Papo’s Café, said she had a vision for […]

