Five-block stretch of South MacArthur becoming popular spot for new eateries, bars
Expect to see construction work begin soon on yet another independent dining establishment staking its claim along a five-block stretch of South MacArthur Boulevard.
Springfield bar operator Ryan Bandy recently announced plans for his first dining establishment – PAPI’S PIZZA PUB – after acquiring the former PIE’S THE LIMIT location at 1710 S. MacArthur Blvd.
“I like pizza. I like beer. Why not do what I’m passionate about?” Bandy said of the expansion into food service. “I’ve been looking all over the country for the right spot and when I looked at this building, I just fell in love.
“And it’s just been an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. They’re excited about having a nice, casual bar.”
Papi’s Pizza Pub is just the latest, locally-owned dining spot to make a home on this busy commercial stretch.
NAMI POKE – a Japanese-Hawaiian fusion establishment – opened in July at the corner of MacArthur and South Grand Avenue West in the former L’IL WILLY’S SMOKEHOUSE spot. TRAVELERS KITCHEN began serving up cuisine from around the world – but with a decidedly African focus – at 1731 S. MacArthur Blvd. in the spring. The building formerly was home to LA BAMBA.
Construction crews also are working to convert the shuttered MCDONALD’S at 1825 S. MacArthur Blvd. and former Finks Superior Cleaners at 2120 S. MacArthur Blvd. into new dining spots.
Operators of CHATHAM CAFE recently purchased the former McDonald’s building and plan to open a similar, yet-to-be-named scratch-made cafe at the site. And TOASTY-SUBS – which has called the strip home since opening in 2020 at 2025 S. MacArthur Blvd. – is moving across the street to 2120 S. MacArthur Blvd.
Pizza is a common denominator for both Papi’s and its predecessor. But Bandy said that’s where the similarity ends.
Pie’s the Limit – which closed in July – was among the first brands locally to blend pizza with the fast-casual concept. Papi’s is more about building community.
“It’s going to be a good neighborhood bar, even if you don’t want pizza,” said Bandy, who also owns WIN, LOSE OR DRAUGHT at 7004 Kingsmill Court.
And while a pepperoni pie always will be available, Papi’s Pizza Pub will specialize in Latin-influenced pizzas Bandy has encountered on his trips south of the border like the chicken, corn, and barbecue version served in Colombia or crust topped with carne asada from Mexico.
The menu also will feature pastas, sandwiches, salads, and soups. A fall opening is projected.
Student-run bistro to reopen
Lincoln Land Community College’s student-run cafe kicks off a new season Tuesday.
BISTRO VERDE serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday in the east entrance of the Workforce Careers Center on the main campus at 5250 Shepherd Road.
More: Former McDonald's site on way to becoming cafe; juice bar opens in The Gables
The counter service BISTRO-TO-GO will operate Sept. 5 through Oct. 5, providing an array of pre-packaged soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods, as well as coffees and drinks.
The casual, dine-in Bistro Verde will operate Oct. 24 through Nov. 16 with a menu of scratch-made, chef-inspired dishes and a full menu of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Reservations are recommended to ensure a seat at the full-service lunches.
Menu details, as well as ordering and reservation information can be found at www.llcc.edu/bistro-verde.
Students in the college’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts program run the hands-on classroom. Joshua Dineen returns as the managing chef.
Yucan Drive Mel-O-Cream has breakfast sandwiches
Savory selections are now a permanent part of the menu at MEL-O-CREAM DONUTS’ Yucan Drive store, but these breakfast sandwiches won’t be making an appearance elsewhere.
Springfield franchise owner Amanda Crossland said the morning sandwich lineup is joining the permanent menu at the 4411 Yucan Drive store after being well received over the summer test run.
But she said there are no plans to introduce the breakfast sandwiches at any of Mel-O-Cream’s other doughnut shops throughout Springfield. Crossland also operates Mel-O-Cream stores at 525 North Grand Ave. E., 217 E. Laurel St., and 3010 S. Sixth St.
The breakfast sandwiches feature egg and cheese paired with a breakfast meat (choice of sausage patty, bacon, or Canadian bacon) and tucked into either an English muffin or a bismark shell.
And for those who have begun to catch a hint of autumn in the morning breeze, it might be Mel-O-Cream’s seasonal, apple-spice doughnuts that recently returned to the lineup for a limited time.
Mel-O-Cream Donuts have been making mornings sweeter in Springfield for eight decades with the Grant family serving its first deep-fried, sugary confections in Springfield in the 1930s.
The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closings, renovations, and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at (217) 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: New Springfield restaurants find homes in five-blocks of South MacArthur
