It is difficult to believe we are already halfway through 2023.
Throughout the start of the year, various restaurants have opened their doors to the community. Some are brand new to the Peoria area. Others have expanded or revived once shuttered businesses.
Here are the restaurants that have opened in the Peoria area so far in 2023.
1. Ardor 2.0
While many in the Peoria area have come to know Ardor Breads and Provisions for its baked goods, the business launched its restaurant space on May 17.
The restaurant offers breakfast platters, hearth-cooked chicken, specialty drinks and more.
“We made this leap because of the continued, very consistent support and business that we've seen for three years, which I think is any new business owner’s dream,”owner Cody Scogin said.
Address: 301 SW Water St., Peoria
Website: https://ardorbp.com/
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2. Bake & Brew Panadería
Ana Chavez-Estrada opened Bake & Brew Panadería with her family on May 6. The coffee shop and Mexican bakery − which is located at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie — serves tres leches, conchas and more.
“I know there's not a lot of Mexican bakeries around here that sell this type of bread and stuff," Chavez-Estrada said. "So, we're hoping to introduce them to that and hopefully they like it.”
Address: 5201 W. War Memorial Drive, Suite 530, Peoria
Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bake-Brew-Panader%C3%ADa/100090583702823/
More:From sweet breads to coffee, new bakery bringing Mexican treats to Peoria shopping center
3. Bust'd Brewing
Peoria Height's new brewery opened with a selection of eight craft beers on May 17. The menu included names such as "Tower Pale Ale," "Trailblazer,""Misty Mountain"and more.
Dunlap couple Amber and Brian Buss opened the business. Brewing is a longtime passion for Brian.
Address: 4408 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bustdbrewing
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4. Charlie’s at Sunset Cove
Charlie's at Sunset Cove is situated right on the banks of Peoria Lake. Owner Chris Stewart saw the space as a “hideaway with a good view.”
At the restaurant, customers can find pizza, burgers specials and more.
Address: 1111 Sunset Drive, East Peoria
Website:https://eatatcharlies.com/
Learn more:Take in river sunsets, fishbowl drinks at new East Peoria eatery
5. Chill N Juice
Chill N Juice held its soft opening on Feb. 2 from 6 to 10 a.m. in Chillicothe.
The business − owned and operated by brothers Ryan and Jack Caulfield − focuses on cold-press juices, smoothies and breakfast and lunch items.
Address: 903 N. 4th St., Chillicothe
Phone: (309) 270-6101
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chillnjuicechilli
6. Craft 309 Kitchen and Bar
Craft 309 is not new to the Peoria area. The downtown establishment closed earlier this year to bring the restaurant "up to par," according to JC Shurts, food and beverage director for Hawkeye Hotels.
“We're putting everything we have into this — mind, body, soul, blood, sweat and tears,” he said.
The restaurant reopened for breakfast and lunch on May 29.
Address: 500 Hamilton Blvd., Peoria
Website: https://www.craft309.com/
More:This downtown Peoria restaurant is being reorganized before it reopens
7. Culver's
Peoria's newest Culver's location opened on Memorial Day — Monday, May 29. The north Peoria location is roughly six miles away from the next closest storefronts.
Address: 10500 N. Centerway Drive, Peoria
Website: https://www.culvers.com/restaurants/peoria-il-n-centerway-dr
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8. Dog Haus Biergarten
Customers at Dog Haus can find hot dogs, burgers, sausages and more. In the Biergarten, there are 14 beer options on tap.
The restaurant opened in 2023 after various delays slowed the opening process.
Address: 4712 N. University St., Peoria
Website:https://doghaus.com/location/peoria-biergarten/
More:Long-awaited eatery to open soon in Peoria with 'unique twist' on American classics
9. Glitzy Glizzy
Owner Emily Canterbury, who also owns Canterbury Creations, launched the hot dog business with unique menu items like the "Underdog" and the "Tribute." The "Diamond Dog" comes topped with lobster salad.
“I love different flavor combinations and being able to use a hot dog as a vessel for that is kind of a neat concept, I think,” Canterbury said.
Address: 456 Fulton St., Peoria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Glitzy-Glizzy-100089227234073/
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10. Good Tequilas
Good Tequilas opened its Peoria Heights location in the building which once housed TNT's Sports Bar and Grill. Owner Jose Barragansaid he had his eye on the space since before the former establishment had closed.
“The building itself is perfect setup for what I want it to be,” Barragan said.
Address: 4319 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights
Website: https://www.goodtequilaspeoria.com/
Previously:Popular Mexican restaurant to fill vacant building in Peoria Heights
11. High Voltage Taphouse
High Voltage Taphouse opened in Princeville in February. The business offers a variety of drinks, as well as a grill menu.
Address: 129 E. Main St., Princeville
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highvoltagetaphouse
12. Hong Kong Buffet
Hong Kong Buffet opened its doors in Peoria on March 9. The restaurant offers Chinese, Japanese and American foods.
Address: 7708 N. University St., Peoria
Website: https://www.hongkongbuffetil.com/
More:Looking for a Chinese buffet? Here are five in the Peoria area to try
13. Jonah's at Jump
On May 8,Jonah's Seafood House opened a new location, Jonah's at Jump, in Peoria's Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center. The space features staples from the East Peoria restaurant, such as the seafood nachos and the seven-layer salad.
Address: 1306 N. Berkeley Ave., Peoria
More:Longtime East Peoria seafood restaurant makes the 'jump' to Peoria with new cafe
14. Mama’s Mahlzeit
Mama’s Mahlzeit brought German staples like schnitzeland spaetzle to central Illinois in May. The Farmington restaurant is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Annalisa Skaggs-Hogue and Brandon Skaggs.
Address: 503 E. Vernon St., Farmington
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mamas-mahlzeit/100090836643829/
More:From bratwurst to schnitzel, this new restaurant specializes in German cuisine
15. Okinawa Hibachi Sushi Ramen
Housed in the former home of Jerk Hut, Okinawa Hibachi Sushi Ramen features a range of Japanese dishes. These include ramen, Maki rolls, Japanese spring rolls and more.
Address: 1200 W. Main St., Suite 21A, Peoria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Okinawa-Hibachi-Sushi-Ramen/100091287013259/
16. Peoria Nutrition Spot
Customers can find smoothies, refreshers and breakfast items at Peoria Nutrition Spot. The business is located at the Windsor Square shopping plaza.
Address: 7318 N. University St., Peoria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Peoria-Nutrition-Spot/100086272343572/
17. Richard's Cafe
Richard's Cafe − located on Main Street in downtown Peoria − opened ahead of Richard's Under Main. The aboveground establishment serves breakfast and lunch items, including breakfast tacos, pastrami, Philly sandwiches and more.
Address: 311 Main St., Peoria
Website: https://richardspeoria.com/
18. Scrolls
After enjoying rolled ice cream while on a family trip to Florida, Krystal and Jordan Sondag decided to bring the treat to central Illinois. Scrolls opened earlier this year.
“It’s been neat watching not only kids but adults of all ages that are experiencing it for the first time and really having a lot of fun with it," Krystal said.
Address: 321 S. First Ave., Morton
Website: https://goscrolls.com/
More:Taking a 'leap of faith,' family rolls out a unique ice cream shop in Morton
19. Shawn's Kitchen
On Feb. 15, Shawn's Kitchen held its grand opening. The shop, located inside of Mr. Food Mart, is 20 years in the making for owner and Peoria native Shawn Holler.
Customers can find $5 lunches from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., dinners, BBQ and more.
Address: 1102 S. Western Ave., Peoria
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Shawns-Kitchen-100086361426855/
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20. Subway
On Jan. 16, the 8717 Knoxville Ave. Subway reopened under new management. The opening came months after nearly a dozen area locations shuttered last August.
Address: 8717 Knoxville Ave., Peoria
More:Months after temporary closures, Subway locations are reopening in the Peoria area
21. Sucré Sweets and Socials
Months after closing its in-person Morton location, Sucré Sweets and Socials has opened a new brick-and-mortar establishment. Customers can find ice cream, sweet treats and other items found on the business's mobile trolley.
Address: 105 S. Main St., Morton
Website: https://sucresweetsandsocials.com/
22. Tacos and Thai
While not a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Tacos and Thai began serving the Peoria area this year. The food truck − launched by longtime friends Devin Wyman and Laura Lytle − melds tacos, nachos and Thai food.
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/tacos.and.thai/
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23. The Fry Spot
After closing The Fry Spot's North Prospect Road location last year, Jeremy and Cierra Sargent have reopened their business. Now found on North Dries Lane, the restaurant continues to serve fries decked out in a variety of toppings.
Address: 3214 N. Dries Lane, Peoria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefryspotpeoria/
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24. The Queen of Squash
The Queen of Squash opened on April 29 after various delays pushed back the restaurant's opening. Customers can find turkey, veggie or beef burgers, as well as bowls, flatbreads, salads and appetizers.
Address: 1108 W. Glen Ave., Peoria
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thequeenofsquash
25. W Down Under
Situated in the space which once housed The Blacksmith Steakhouse, W Down Under opened on April 17 as a "hometown pub." Customers can find beers, special drinks, bar snacks and more.
Address: 105 N. Main St., Washington
Website: https://www.wdownunder.com/
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26. William B's Steakhouse
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino opened William B's Steakhouse on Feb. 16. The casino's previous steakhouse, Boyd's, closed shortly before the opening.
"It's an entirely new look and feel from Boyd's," Vice president and general manager Cori Rutherford said.
Address: 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria
Website: https://paradice.boydgaming.com/dine/william-bs-steakhouse
More:East Peoria casino welcomes new steakhouse
27. Yusuf's Cuisine
The restaurant aims to offer "authentic Middle Eastern cuisine to the Peoria area," according to its website. On the menu, customers will find dishes such as falafel sandwiches, stuffed grape leaves, Imsakhan pizza and more.
Address: 841 W. Main St., Peoria
Website:https://www.yusufscuisine.com/
Connect with Cassidy Waigand by emailing her at CWaigand@gannett.com or by following her on Twitter at @justxaxwriter.
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