Though we are only four months into 2026, more than a dozen restaurants and cafes have opened their doors – from a smoothie shop to a speakeasy style spot to a “steakhouse-inspired supper club of sorts.”
Here’s a look at what has opened so far:
Curly Shawarma – Townline Road
Situated inside Haddah Supermarket, Curly Shawarma opened a new carryout location in late January. Manager Adam Sanany said it took months to bring the space to life.
“It was a long journey, but it was worth it,” Sanany said on Jan. 23. “We’re open today. We’re excited.”
Details: 2800 W. Townline Road, Peoria; https://www.facebook.com/people/Haddah-Supermarket-Curly-Shawarma/61586805550177/
Analytical Brewing
On Feb. 10, Lexington-based brewery Analytical Brewing officially opened in Peoria.
The Warehouse District storefront sports more than a selection of craft beers. Customers can also find cocktails and food.
The aim, according to director of operations Samantha Graves, is to offer “a comfortable space that focuses on creating intentional connections.”
Details: 831 SW Adams St., Peoria; (309) 232-8060, https://analyticalbrewing.com/
Segreto di Stefania
Tucked away in Peoria Heights, Stephanie Brott opened Segreto di Stefania on Feb. 12. The menu features dishes such as gnocchi a la Bernardi, salmon Tuscano, Segreto chicken and speakeasy ribeye.
“Everything turned out just beautiful,” Brott said. “You know, it’s cozy. It’s comfortable. It’s a little sexy.”
Details: 4315 N. Voss St., Peoria Heights; (309) 839-2914, https://www.segretodistefania.com/
Matari Coffee Co.
Matari Coffee Co. opened its doors to the Peoria community on Feb. 13. The Yemeni coffee brand – which began in Michigan in 2022 – offers adeni chai, Yemeni latte, Matari latte and more.
Details: 4100 W. Willow Knolls Drive, C2, Peoria; (309) 643-1002, https://mataricoffee.com/locations/peoria
COFFEE CAN
After closing its doors in April 2025, COFFEE CAN was revived under new ownership in mid-February. The Hanna City spot’s new owners introduced themselves in an Easter Sunday Facebook post.
“We’ve always loved the way a great cup of coffee brings people together, and we can’t wait to continue serving this amazing community,” the post read. “Whether you’re a long-time regular or have never stepped through our doors, we’d love for you to stop by, say hi, and see what we’re brewing.”
Details: 224 N. 2nd St., Hanna City; https://www.facebook.com/COFFEECAN.coffee
Katana Hibachi & Sushi
In Pekin, Katana Hibachi & Sushi began operations on Feb. 16 – serving hibachi meals, bento boxes and sushi rolls. The eatery – based out of a food truck – offers takeout and delivery.
Details: 1201 N. 8th St., Pekin; (309) 232-7564, https://www.facebook.com/people/Katana-Hibachi-Sushi-Pekin-IL/61586608862905/
Fairways
Customers can find a low country, southern inspired menu with grilled meatloaf, fried chicken, shrimp boil, a smoke house platter and more at Fairways.
Co-owners Nick Babcock and Matt Rixner brought the concept to life at the Peoria Park District’s Golf Learning Center. The location includes golf simulators and bays.
“We want to be fore Peoria, you know, f-o-r-e,” Rixner said. “You know, kind of a play of words, but I mean that’s very true.”
Details: 7815 N. Radnor Road, Peoria; (309) 571-1600, https://peoriaglc.org/food-drink/
JB’s Bar
JB’s Bar opened its doors on Feb. 21, with domestic and import beers, hard seltzers and shots on the menu. The business’ Facebook page encourages the community to “Join us for the most unforgettable times!!”
Details: 4201 SW Adams St., Peoria; (309) 966-9807, https://www.facebook.com/61577724954361
Dar Al-Coffee – Grand Prairie Drive
Dar Al-Coffee opened in the space formerly home to Happy Blends Juice Bar on March 21. The location opened less than a year after the original storefront, and a March 20 Facebook post from the business said, “it still doesn’t feel real.”
“This isn’t just about us growing it’s about our community growing,” the post read. “Everything we are is because of you. The conversations, the support, the familiar faces… you made this happen.”
Details: 7706 N. Grand Prairie Drive, Peoria; https://www.daralcoffee.com/
Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee – OSF
Galesburg coffee shop Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee opened at the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in March. The shop serves coffee products, teas and other beverages, along with various breakfast and lunch items.
Details: 530 NE Glen Oak Ave. Peoria; https://www.innkeeperscoffee.com/osfpeoria
Tropical Smoothie Cafe – Peoria
Smoothies such as Avocolada, Bahama mama, chia banana boost and mocha madness are available at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. The smoothie brand welcomed the community to its newest area storefront on March 29.
Details: 7425 N. Grand Prairie Drive, Unit B, Peoria; (309) 249-5631, https://www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com/
Cheese Nuts Fast-Fired Pizza
Following a few soft openings, Cheese Nuts Fast-Fired Pizza opened its doors on April 1.
The Metamora pizza place marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kyle Gorman, who once operated Cheese Nuts Pizzeria & Wood-Fired Wings in Peoria. A March 28 post to the business’ Facebook page thanked those who had turned out to support the eatery during its soft openings, and noted in part:
“You are the reason I do this and I have to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my dream come true.”
Details: 126 N. Davenport St., Metamora; (309) 367-2400, https://www.facebook.com/cheesenutspizzeria/
Sloane Supper & Social
Cody Scogin brought “a steakhouse-inspired supper club of sorts” to Peoria Heights when he opened Sloane Supper & Social in April. The menu features house-made pasta, steaks, starters and more.
“The feedback was that it felt new and different from what we are doing downtown,” said Scogin, who also owns Ardor Breads and Provisions in Downtown Peoria.
Details: 4500 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights; (309) 439-8976, https://www.sloanesupperandsocial.com/
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Here are 13 Peoria-area food and drink spots that opened this year
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
