Monday Minute 7.27.26

Business Updates

• Dar Al-Coffee is (SOFT) open at 1520 E. College Ave in Normal! Inspired by the historic Dar Al-Hajar in Yemen, Dar Al-Coffee is an Arabic Yemeni café dedicated to celebrating the rich history and authentic flavors of the origins of coffee. Their soft opening hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily (or until they run out).
• Alcohol has arrived at The Local Hideout Bar and Grill. You can find a great selection of bottled beer, canned beer, and seltzers while they continue working hard to get their beer wall up and running. 
• Jack’s Restaurant launched their new website last week. Make sure to head to jacksrestaurantnormal.net to browse their menu.
• Hink’s Smokehouse has been chosen as part of the Schnuck’s 2026 Springboard class! This program is all about giving rising brands the tools, mentorship and retail access they need to succeed.
• IHOP, located at 2109 E. Empire in Bloomington closed its doors last week. The location is set to become a Smokin Notes BBQ. 

Anniversaries

• The Culver’s Hershey Rd location celebrated a milestone 25th anniversary today on July 24th. The Hershey Rd location is locally franchised by Bret Freistedt.

Hour Changes

• Flame at Bloom is extending their hours. Starting today, they’ll be opening earlier. New Hours: Mon–Thurs: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; Fri/Sat 7:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Breakfast served all day. Plus you can enjoy a FREE coffee with any breakfast purchase from 7:00 am – 11:00 am, Monday through Friday. And for July, August & September, you get 1 kids’ meal FREE with the purchase of an adult entrée.
• Green Garden Restaurant in Gridley will be closed for vacation through August 16th.