Popular fast-food restaurant returning to Springfield while new dining concept opens
Wendy’s signature square burgers will be returning to 1250 Toronto Road this summer, according to a corporate spokesperson.
The Springfield location closed in February along with a dozen sister sites owned by Florida-based Starboard Group after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Nov. 14. These closures include Wendy’s in Quincy and Hannibal, Mo., both of which closed in early January.
The Toronto Road site – one of three Wendy’s in the Capital City – was Starboard Group’s only Springfield outlet.
Wendy’s corporate spokeswoman Heidi Schauer said via email that “we have a very experienced Wendy’s franchisee that will be opening this location this summer.”
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Schauer could not name the expected new franchise operator or an exact opening date yet.
Before filing for bankruptcy protection, Starboard Group operated 73 Wendy’s throughout Illinois, Alabama, Florida, and Wisconsin.
Wendy’s has operated from the Toronto Road address since 2006 after converting a former Burger King structure.
New dining concept in Springfield
Eddy Kattom has returned to the corner of 11th and Ash streets with a new dining concept.
Mr. Hibachi and Wings opened at 1066 E. Ash St. April 19 – the same address where Kattom previously operated Eddy’s Pizza and Chicken. Kattom also owns Sharkey’s Fish and Chicken in Peoria.
“Eddy wanted to try something here a little different,” general manager Dennis Kattom said of the new menu. The two men are cousins. “Hibachi and (fried) chicken don’t exactly go together, but we had to bring the chicken back. Customers insisted.
“Everybody who has tried the food so far really loves it.”
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The hibachi dinners can be ordered with a choice of chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, vegetables or a combination and served over rice or noodles. Fried selections include chicken tenders, jumbo shrimp, whole wings with fries and sauced boneless or party wings. Appetizers include spring rolls, egg rolls, crab rangoon and dumplings.
Sushi rolls will be added to the offerings in the near future.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Dine in, take out available. Phone: 217-679-1054.
Results are in...
Three Twigs & Co. unveils its newest Poptart flavor Wednesday after choosing the winning recipe from more than 600 entries submitted for the contest.
Allison Goldasich of Springfield took the prize with her suggestion of a Poptart with the flavor profile of a pineapple upside down cake. Goldasich won a $50 gift card to the 2661 Chatham Road bakery and a box of her own dream Poptart realized.
Three Twigs & Co. has stuffed its flakey, scratch-made Poptart crusts with everything from blueberry jam to brown sugar and cinnamon, chocolate chip cookie dough to maple pumpkin pie. But this is the first time the locally owned bakery sought suggestions from customers.
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The new flavor features a slow-cooked, caramelized spiced pineapple filling blended with roasted cherries. The PopTart is topped with a caramelized brown sugar-and-cinnamon glaze and vanilla drizzle
The limited feature will be available through June before being added to the bakery’s seasonal flavor rotation.
Summertime fun in Springfield
Conn Hospitality Group is unveiling summer programming aimed squarely at helping patrons clear hump day.
For starters there will be live music available at Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. May through September.
Additional activities include Moonlight Market, dedicated to pop-up shops highlighting local artists, and Yappy Days, in support of local animal shelters.
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Moonlight Market will be held the first and third Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. The market will be held on Jackson Street between Sixth and Seventh streets in front of Obed & Isaac’s and 7th Street Cidery.
Yappy Days, a dog friendly event, will be held the second and fourth Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. in Obed & Isaac’s beer garden. Yappy Days is a partnership between Conn Hospitality Group and a variety of local animal shelters to help raise funds and increase animal adoptions.
Vegan desserts
The dessert case at Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet now features daily vegan options.
Customer demand led to these dairy and egg free offerings in the pastry case.
“The vegan diet trend continues to grow and customers are interested in these options,” company spokeswoman Desiree Logsdon wrote via email. “We added these selections due to customer demand.”
Vegan options include everything from chocolate mousse to cheesecake, sugar cookies to fruit crumble. Flavors will vary seasonally. Prices range from $3.99 to $5.99.
Pease’s at BUNN Gourmet is at 2941 Plaza Drive in The Gables.
Mother’s Day specials will be listed in the May 5 edition. Area restaurants interested in joining the list should submit information by April 29.
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 Rockford Register Star: Wendy's opening 3rd location as Mr. Hibachi and Wings open in Springfield
