2025 Year In Review

2025 brought many changes to local area restaurants including openings, closings, ownership changes and more. We’ve highlighted some of the memories from this past year and a sneak peak into what’s ahead in 2026.

2025 Restaurant Openings

The Bloomington-Normal area welcomed 17 new dining spots that are ready to impress. From fresh takes on familiar favorites to unique experiences, these new places offer a variety of options for every palate. 

Artesanos Pizza

Opened: August 2025

This food truck is serving up delicious Mexican Pizza and other tasty flavors. Make sure to follow their Facebook page to find out where they'll be next!

Dave's Hot Chicken

200 Greenbriar Dr. Normal, IL 61761

Opened: September 2025

Completing the "chicken triangle," Dave's offers patrons chicken tenders, sliders, fries, shakes and more.

Golden Ticket Cinema's Bloomington Ale House

415 Detroit Dr. Bloomington, IL 61704

Opened: October 2025

Located in the former Ovation location, they offer heated luxury recliner seats along with an extensive hot food menu featuring burgers, wings, flatbreads and more. Highlights include self-serve popcorn and drinks with free refills all day. They've also got a 30-tap self-pour beer wall!

Kobe Ramen Pho & Poke

1505 N. Veterans Parkway Bloomington, IL 61704

Opened: November 2025

This new restaurant serves soul-warming Ramen, fragrant Pho and comforting Mi'Xian along with vibrant Poke bowls.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken

2401 E. Oakland Ave. Bloomington, IL 61701 (inside the Shell station)

Opened: October 2025

Serving freshly made hand-breaded fried chicken, chicken tenders and more

Mama Bear's Brunch Box

Opened: July 2025

This food truck serves breakfast options like breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos along with lunch items.

Moose's Pub

531 N. Main St. Bloomington, IL 61701

Opened: October 2025

New go-to spot for live sports, drink specials and more. Located in Downtown Bloomington.

Nautical Bowls

inside Four Seasons on Airport Road

Opened: September 2025

Nautical Bowls added a second B-N location after expanding into the space inside Four Seasons Health Club on Airport Rd.

Raising-Canes-Chicken-Fingers-LOGO.jpg

Raising Canes

311 A Veterans Parkway Normal, IL 61761

Opened: July 2025

Fast-food chain specializing in fried chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries & Texas toast.

Rayla Food Planet

1804 N. Towanda Barnes Rd. Bloomington, IL 61704

Opened: September 2025

This food truck offers the flavors of authentic Indian food serves hot from their truck, made fresh to order.

Scooter's Coffee

1508 N Main St. Bloomington, IL 61701

Opened: April 2025

Drive-thru chain serving espresso & other coffee drinks, plus a variety of smoothies & pastries.

Sharkey's Express

1715 Bradford Lane Normal, IL 61761

Opened: October 2025

Located in the old Ray's Steak & Lemonade building, Sharkey's provides fish, chicken, gyros, sandwiches and more for carry out or dine-in.

Sip Shack

1401 W. Market St. Bloomington, IL 61701

Opened: May 2025

Protein & energy bar featuring Herbalife teas, protein coffees and meal replacement shakes.

Smash House Tavern

503 N. Prospect Rd. Bloomington, IL 61704

Opened: March 2025

Smash House Tavern features food, cocktails, and entertainment in a lively atmosphere.

The Sweet Shoppe

107 South Chestnut Street Le Roy, IL 61752

Opened: December 2025

Featuring ice cream, handmade chocolates, elevated entertaining essentials and gifting favorites.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

706 S. Main St. Normal, IL 61761

Opened: November 2025

Tropical Smoothie cafe opened their SECOND B-N location in November! Located near ISU campus, they're serving up smoothies with a smile.

Wild Oak Social

612 N. Main St. Bloomington, IL 61701

Opened: October 2025

Wild Oak Social opened in the former Euphoria location. Inspired by memories of gathering under a big oak tree, they've brough the spirit of music, friendship and freedom to Downtown Bloomington creating a space for live music and good vibes.

2025 Restaurant Closings

In 2025, we bid a heartfelt goodbye to ten beloved restaurants in the Bloomington-Normal area. Here’s a look back at their contributions and the stories behind their closures:

Chings
Located at 1101 N. Main St. in Normal, Chings served its last meal on October 16th. Known for its bold flavors, it will be missed by many.

Cookies By Design
This local franchise in Normal closed its doors in October. Owner Maria Alvarez will continue to operate her (home-based) business Maria’s Cakes, which specializes in custom cakes and authentic Mexican desserts.

Epic Burger
Epic Burger shut down its Bloomington and Champaign locations in September.

Great Harvest Bread Company
After five years under the ownership of Ben Smith, Rick Vitton, and Terrie Reed, this beloved bakery closed on February 22nd. It was previously run by Rick and Anita Ashley for over two decades, making its closure a significant loss for the community.

Kobe Japanese Steak and Seafood
Located inside Eastland Mall, Kobe closed its doors in August.

Pub I
After 52 years of serving the community, Pub I closed on August 15th. Its legacy as a local gathering spot will be fondly remembered.

Rice N’ Spice
This downtown Bloomington eatery closed in October after just one year in business, citing slow sales. Its unique offerings will be missed by those who enjoyed its dishes.

Uncle Tony’s Food for the Soul
Owner Tony Williams announced that his food truck will not reopen in 2026 after closing for the season. He expressed his passion for cooking and commitment to returning stronger in the future. The food truck is currently for sale.

Under the Ground BloNo
Originally opened in Downtown Bloomington for two years, this establishment faced challenges after relocating to Downs and ultimately closed permanently in May.

Vogel Coffee
After three years of serving the Heyworth community, Vogel Coffee closed on December 12th. Its quaint atmosphere and quality brews will be missed.

Ownership, Name and Location Changes

  • Bandana’s BBQ relocated to 305 N. Veterans Parkway (former Meatheads/Epic Burger location) after being forced to move out of their location at 502 IAA Drive. The old building has been torn down for new developments including a Dutch Bros. Coffee.
  • Casper Brewing Company welcomed State Farm Agent Axel Jimenez and his wife Carrie as new part owners of the business. They joined current owner Dave Casper.
  • The ownership group of The Westside BloNo has expanded east. CRAFTED Commons is now The Eastside BloNo and nome to Crafted Coffee & Wine.
  • Essential Coffee in Lexington has transferred ownership from previous owner Alex to Tomi Ross.
  • On June 30th, Fred “Fats” Underwood, owner of Fat Albert’s in Gridley, passed the torch to new owners Joe and Bard King.
  • Fiesta Ranchera moved from 1500 E. Empire to a newly constructed building at 604 IAA Dr. in Bloomington.
  • Froth & Fork is under new ownership and management as former owner Siva Busa sold the business.They launched a revamped menu to go with the change which took place in October.
  • Grove Street Bakery was able to remain open after new owner, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Kalafut agreed to purchase the store this summer. The location had previously been for sale for over 2 years without a buyer and had announced a closing date when Lizzie came in and saved the business from closing.
  • Revery has new owners (Brandon Casey), and in 2026, the name will change to Whiskey River.
  • After being shut down for multiple months, Rosati’s Pizza relocated from Prospect Ave to 1704 Eastland Drive Suite 4 (former Great Harvest Bread location) in October. 
  • The Westside BloNo is now the official establishment name of the entity that encompasses BloNo Pizza Co, Westside Smoke, The Basement Bar and Whiskey Empire, transforming it into a true food, drink and entertainment mecca.

Planned for 2026

Here’s a quick look at some of what’s on the “rumor mill” to be slotted for 2026:

  • 8 Bit Beercade is still moving forward with their planned return to Downtown Bloomington. Their liquor license has been approved for the spot planned for 217 W. Jefferson St, but an opening date has not yet been announced.
  • Annie’s Eats & Catering has plans to move their business to 801 S. Main St. (former Winner’s location) but no details on the moving date have been released.
  • Crawdaddy’s Pizza Parlor – Crawford’s Corner Pub owner Bob Crawford still has plans to open up Crawdaddy’s a local pizza spot. Opening date TBA.
  • Divine Barrel – In addition to Scramblers, a second business “Divine Barrel” will be opening up in The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center in 2026.
  • Dutch Bros Coffee – Construction is underway for this national drive-thru coffee chain being built on the former site of Bandana’s BBQ. It is on track to open in early 2026
  • Kobe owners are planning to open a new spot in the former location of Chings at 1101 N. Main St. in Normal. The menu will feature items like Korean corn dogs, fried chicken and bubble waffles. An opening date has not yet been set.
  • Scramblers – This breakfast spot is set to open in late January/early February inside The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center.
  • Shark’s Chicken & Fish – The fast casual spot (no relation to Sharkey’s Express in Normal) is making headway on their site on Washington Street in Bloomington. They are planned to open in February.
  • Spill’d Beans – This local coffee shop is slated to open at 222 E. Center St. Le Roy in February

And, of course, what many inquiring minds want to know…what’s going into the old Bob Evans location on West Market St.? We have confirmation that it will be a restaurant but have yet been unable to confirm any details. We’ll keep you posted when we do!