Monday Minute 7.13.26

Happy Monday! Here’s to a new week filled with warm weather and some delicious food. Here’s a bit on what’s happening with local restaurants:

Business Updates

• Whiskey River Smokehouse has temporarily closed as of today stating on their Facebook page that they are getting prepared “for some exciting changes and improvements.” There is no information on when they plan to reopen.
• After being closed for several months due to some personal matters, Pickles and Honey Soulful Kitchen is now accepting catering bookings. Contact them for your corporate lunch, wedding, family reunion, church event, graduation, birthday celebration, or any special occasion.
• Theo’s Microcreamery launched their ice cream truck this weekend. Want Theo’s at your next event? Head to the Catering tab on their website to learn more and book the truck.
• Pop-Up Chicken Shop owner Aaron Francis says that he is stepping away from the brand. According to The Pantagraph, he will be selling the Pop-Up brand which includes Pop-Up Chicken Shop locations in Bloomington and Peoria, Pop Up Hospitality Group, which operates inside Illinois Farm Bureau as the 1701 Café, and the former KFC building on Prospect Road in Bloomington. According to the article, “Francis had planned to turn the old KFC into a deli but decided to sell it about three or four months ago. He plans to close the sale this week, and the new owners plan to turn the spot into a local fast-food Indian restaurant.”

Anniversaries

• Run-N’ Erin’s celebrated their 2 year anniversary on July 7th
• Analytical Brewing – Lexington celebrated 4 years in business this past weekend.

Menu Changes

• Barrel House Food & Spirits launched a new menu. They’ve kept the classics you know and love, but mixed in some fresh new additions.
• Pour Bros. Craft Taproom now offers a high-quality pizza option at the taproom! While you can still bring your own food, Cheese Nuts Pizza, crafted in Metamora, Illinois will be available to order. These handcrafted, pre-wood-fired pizzas are made with great ingredients and delivered fresh to the taproom every week.