July saw multiple restaurant openings in the Peoria area – from a longtime ice cream stand to a cozy sandwich spot.
Here’s a look at what’s new:
Ernie’s Dairy Dream
Tony Kattom brought a South Peoria staple back to life when he opened Ernie’s Dairy Dream on July 1. The longtime spot – situated at 2600 SW Jefferson Ave. – originally opened in 1959.
Kattom said he was sad to see the shuttered storefront and decided to step in.
“I’m like, ‘You know what? No. I’m gonna keep it going,’” he said.
Mi Pequeña Centro América
Opened in early July, Mi Pequeña Centro América is a mobile food venture which set up shop outside of the 76 gas station at the corner of West Main Street and Sheridan Road. The food truck is part of a larger vision for owner Yenifer Barrientos-Brizuela– who hopes to open a central American grocery store in the area one day.
“That’s her long-term goal,” noted Christell Frausto, who provided translation for the Journal Star, “but just the fact that she’s been able to open this food truck on her own with her partner and it’s been such a goal for her in her life. So now she’s motivated to keep going.”
Jimador – Bartonville
Situated at 1351 W. Garfield Ave. in Bartonville, Jimador held the soft opening for its newest location on July 4. Customers can find burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and other entrees at the establishment.
River Station Restaurant
River Station Restaurant officially opened at 212 SW Water St. in Downtown Peoria on July 7. The eatery is situated in the same unit as the Creve Coeur Club of Peoria.
Liduvina Leon, who also operates Catrina’s Express with her husband, said the aim is to provide “a place that’s just welcoming and warm and you can enjoy some good food that’s made fresh.”
The Family Grill & Bar
Located in the former home of Dac’s Smokehouse in Morton, The Family Grill & Bar welcomed the community to its grand opening on July 8.
The eatery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays. Customers can find sandwiches, salads, salmon and other entrees.
Rosie’s Wine Bar
Following several soft openings, Rosie’s Wine Bar opened at 4615 N. Prospect Road, Suite South A in Peoria Heights on July 19.
Denise and Todd Baker said they were “humbled and overwhelmed by the love this community has shown us.”
Customers can find wines, small plates, sweet treats and more. Hours are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday.
Bodega by Ardor
On July 22, Cody Scogin opened his newest concept in Peoria Heights.
Bodega by Ardor features a cozy grocery and casual deli. Customers can create their own sandwich or select one from the menu.
“I feel like it’s a concept that we thought would be great for the community and it seems that they’re very excited to have this option,” Scogin said.
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 7 dining destinations opened in the Peoria area this July
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
