Monday Minute - 1.12.26

By EatLocal / January 12, 2026

Happy Monday! Let’s take a just a quick minute to catch up on the latest happenings in our local dining scene! Here’s what’s new this past week:

Business Updates

Tropical Smoothie Cafe recently opened up a second B-N location at 706 S. Main St. near the ISU campus in Normal. They will host their grand opening Jan 16 – 18 where customers can receive a free smoothie with bowl or food purchase. Plus the first 50 guests in line on 1/17 will receive free smoothies for a year!
Revery has sold to new owners Brandon Casey and Rakeem Harris and is now going through the steps to become Whiskey River Smokehouse. With this change, they’ve unveiled a new menu and new hours.
Spill’d Beans is planned to open in LeRoy at 222 E Center St in February.
Martinelli’s Market in Downtown Bloomington is now Salt Fork Food Works Food Hub joining a network of farms, bakeries and food makers across Central Illinois.
Ivy Lane Bakery owners, Susan and John Goeckner, announced that 2026 will be their last year owning the bakery. They will hand over the business to new owners after December 24, 2026.
The historic old Clay Dooley building located at 307 E. Grove St. in Bloomington has been sold and will be the new Premium Loves headquarters. The building will also feature additional commercial tenant spaces. Premium Loaves owns and operates the Bloomington-Normal area Jimmy Johns as well as 100+ additional locations throughout Illinois and six other states.
Scramblers Restaurants opened this past week inside of The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center. (see our previous post)
With the unfortunate, unexpected passing of owner Craig Hanson, Lake Road Inn will be closed for the foreseeable future.

Anniversaries

Shake It Up Cocktail Lounge & Eatery celebrated their 3rd anniversary on December 16th.
Egg Republic marked 3 years in Bloomington on Saturday, January 2nd.
Fusion Brew is celebrating their 20 year anniversary. Check out our recent post for the full details.
Baba Restaurant celebrates 3 years on January 14th.

Business Hour Changes

Nautical Bowls is open in the mornings again. Mon: 8:30 am to 1 pm, Tues – Fri: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, Sat/Sun: 9 am to 7 pm
Tomi’s Essential Coffee – is now open 6:00 am to noon Monday – Friday and 8:00 am to noon on Saturday and Sunday
FLAME AT BLOOM – Winter hours 8:30 am to 8:00 pm (Mon – Thurs), 8:30 am to 11:00 pm (Fri), 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (Sat) 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (Sun)
Pour Bros. Craft Taproom is now open on Sundays from 2 pm to 10 pm

Check in with us next week for new updates. Business owners – have an update to share for next week’s list? Send us an email and let us know!