Macy’s Inc. announced Jan. 9 it would be closing 66 stores nationwide, including the White Oaks Mall location. It is the only Illinois store slated for closure, although a St. Louis-area location is impacted as the Macy’s in the South County Center is also on the list. Macy’s has been the only department store anchor […]
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When crisis reveals the best life has to offer
By Holly A. Whisler Chris Schmulbach has been a competitor since he was a boy racing motocross. He liked it so much he turned pro and raced Supercross. After years of risk-taking and sustaining numerous broken bones, he decided to retire from racing and play it safe, especially since he was now a husband and […]
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The Turkish grill on Wabash
Ugly Restaurant and Bar, a welcome addition to Springfield’s ethnic eateries By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. With a name like Ugly Restaurant and Bar, you had better have some good food and good service. Thankfully, Ugly Restaurant delivers. Ugly Restaurant is a Turkish grill. Your first thought may be kabobs, but there’s a lot more […]
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Artificial Intelligence is the next industrial revolution
“We don’t want Springfield to miss it.” By Annie Fulgenzi The next Industrial Revolution is here, whether you are prepared for it or not. According to local experts who recently took part in a panel discussion on the state of Artificial Intelligence, the consensus was: You can either get in, or get left behind. Artificial […]
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Quencie Thomas: From Springfield to Hollywood
By Holly A. Whisler Quencie Thomas, a celebrity interviewer and founder of Studio Q media services, is a Springfield native who is making her dreams come true. Thomas describes herself as the loud kid in school who sang Whitney Houston songs, was self-driven and marched to the beat of her own drum. She later made […]
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Hot Pot & BBQ Buffet
By Thomas C. Pavlik, Jr. Chinese hot pot is more than just a meal, it’s an experience – and one that’s done nicely by Hot Pot & BBQ Buffet. Hot pot originated in the Mongolian Empire and started out as a simple broth bought to boil in a helmet into which a soldier added horsemeat […]
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Out-of-state investors see Springfield real estate as a good purchase
Michigan company organizing Springfield Multifamily Investor Club By David Blanchette It’s not unusual to have out-of-town investors purchase property in Springfield, but one of those investors is going about it in an unusual way. Destination Peak Partners from Detroit, Michigan, held an invitation-only event recently in Springfield that was designed to form the Springfield Multifamily […]
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El Arriero
By Thomas C. Pavlik El Arriero, which means “someone who drives mules,” opened up just under a year ago on West Wabash close to Archer Elevator Road. It serves fresh, authentic, homestyle Mexican food with great service and excellent salsa. There’s lots to like here. Although it’s in a strip center, El Arriero did a […]
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Keeping it in the family
Sheehan & Sheehan is a third-generation law firm By Scott Reeder For Sheehan & Sheehan, Lawyers P.C., law is a family affair. “I can’t think of any other law practice in Springfield that has lasted three generations, yet alone one that has had two sets of brothers from each generation,” said retired Sangamon County associate […]
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Charlie Parker’s
By Thomas C. Pavlik It’s hard to believe that in all the years I’ve been doing restaurant reviews for Springfield Business Journal, I’ve never reviewed Charlie Parker’s Diner. Thanks to a group of friends who meet once a month for chili, this time has come. The group has been meeting monthly since 1999, and I […]
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Q&A with Val Yazell
By David Blanchette Val Yazell has held a wide variety of positions throughout her career, from working as a telemarketer and kindergarten teacher to serving as the interim CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and the director of the city of Springfield’s Office of Planning and Economic Development. She’s also been a small […]
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SHG says so long to a good habit
By Scott Reeder Soon, for the first time in its storied 128-year history, a member of a religious order will no longer be at the helm of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. Sister Katherine O’Connor, the longtime president of the school, is retiring and a search is on for her replacement. The Dominican sister has led […]