Former McDonald's site on way to becoming cafe; juice bar opens in The Gables
Once again work is moving forward to convert the long-shuttered MCDONALD’S on MacArthur Boulevard into a local cafe.
Lu Asani – who co-owns CHATHAM CAFE in Chatham – said construction crews have returned to the site and she and her husband Kenny Asani are finalizing paperwork to purchase the 1825 S. MacArthur Blvd. building.
“We have a lot of people say, ‘Sorry you gave up on the (MacArthur) project.’ We really didn’t,” said Asani, who first announced plans to open a sister cafe at the address in 2021. “It’s just been an ongoing battle.
“Every time we tear down a wall we found something else (that) needed fixed. But finally, it’s on its way.”
Asani said renovation plans include a complete interior revamp, leaving only the exterior shell of the building. The planned cafe – which will have a similar menu to Chatham Cafe’s scratch-made, home cooking – has yet to be named. A late 2023 opening is planned.
The MacArthur building has sat empty since McDonald’s closed the location in 2017 after nearly 60 years of operating as the Golden Arches.
Juice bar opens
WELLTHY JUICE CO. has opened in The Gables.
Heidi Clark owns the new cold-pressed juice bar at 2922 Plaza Drive.
The juice menu touts blends of greens, veggies, fruits, and herbs with names like Chlorophyll Me Up, Liver Lover, and 24 Carrot Gold, as well as shots like Cold Killer – a blend of lemon, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper – and Smoother Operator – pineapple juice and apple cider vinegar.
Other offerings include super food-based smoothies, acai bowls, and energy bites. Baked goods from INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS are expected to join the lineup later this year.
No preservatives, additives, or artificial sweeteners are used in the juices.
Limited indoor and patio seating is available.
Initial operating hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closing hours will stretch to 4:30 p.m., starting in September. Phone: (217) 939-1008.
Oyster and beer festival returns
The Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival is on Sept. 2 in downtown Springfield on the grounds of the INN AT 835.
The outdoor event runs from noon to 5 p.m. with 150 beers and ciders available to sample, fresh oyster dishes, and live music.
General admission tickets include an SOB tasting glass good to use for samples of your choice, a snack at the gate and a brewers’ guide. The cost is $35 for advance tickets and $40 at the gate.
VIP tickets include a sampling glass, food prepared by the Inn at 835’s executive chef, six oysters, access to limited edition brews and indoor, air-conditioned restrooms, and 30-minute early admission. The cost is $75 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sobfestival.com.
Several local food trucks also will be at the event, including BATEMANS BAD DAD PIZZA, GYRO STOP and MAD DOG CONCESSIONS.
Harvest celebration tickets available
Tickets are still available for ILLINOIS STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE’s Harvest Celebration Sept. 10 at INDIAN CREEK FARMSTEAD in Petersburg.
The hog roast will feature several prominent chefs from the local dining scene, including Corey and Emily Faucon preparing the pasture-raised hog from OAK TREE ORGANICS and Joe Standley preparing a plant-based course and seasonal sides.
The Faucons – who first rose to prominence with the former LONG 9 JUNCTION in downtown Springfield – currently own MOM & POP’s in Petersburg. In addition to the pulled pork, the Faucons also will be preparing scratch-made buns using flour from JANIE’S MILL in Ashkum.
Standley owns PROUD RICHARDS in Jacksonville.
The fundraiser is a family-friendly event held from 2 to 6 p.m. Live music, tractor rides and lawn games included.
Cost is $50 for adults, $25 for children ages 4 to 15. Children 3 and younger eat free. There is also a family package for $150 that covers two adults and three children. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ilstewards.org/harvest-celebration-tickets/.
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 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Construction work to turn former McDonald's site into cafe resumes
