Restaurant to be unlike anything Dixon has seen

DIXON – Tom Conley had to look up what his 9-year-old granddaughter was saying.

She constantly used the expression “bomb diggity.”

The definition found at the online Urban Dictionary reads: “A description of something that is better than excellent, great, good, amazing, et cetera.”

With that, Conley found the perfect name for the bar and grill he plans to open in May at 628 Palmyra Road, next to the scenic Plum Creek Arboretum.

“That’s the image we want to present,” Conley said, referring to the definition, the namesake of BombDigity Bar & Grill.

Conley says the new bar and grill will be unlike any other restaurant Dixon has seen.

There will be seating for 120 people indoors, and a fireplace, and 70 outside, highlighted by a 1,700-square-foot outdoor deck. Conley plans to pave sidewalks that lead to a creek behind the restaurant, where he will put gas fire pits for more outdoor seating.

A 20-by-16-foot horseshoe-shaped bar also boasts nine flat-screen televisions and a surround system.

The restaurant will be decorated with artwork by Pattie Hummel and feature photographs of memorable spots in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls. The remainder of the décor will be done in a Southwestern, rustic theme.

“Our whole philosophy is this is the best food and drink your money can buy, but the atmosphere is free,” Conley said. “We are surrounded by the arboretum, and our customers can go sit outside to have a glass of wine and food with a view.”

Conley knows the area on Palmyra Road well.

He was general manager at Marshall Salon Services for 20 years, where a Kreider Services recycling center now operates. He remembers the Brown Shingle restaurant that was across the street, which is where BombDigity will open.

“It sat empty for 3 years when its doors closed,” Conley said. “Nobody had much interest in it. I talked to the property service manager and put a bid on the property. I got it. Once I got it, it seemed logical to put another restaurant facility in that location.”

Conley has no experience working in restaurants. He owns a small beauty consulting business called Salon Business Coaching, but he said he has brought on knowledgeable people to his project team.

The restaurant’s menu will include six to eight different burgers and several sandwich selections. The business also will cater parties.

“I’m fortunate to have some very knowledgeable people around me, making it all enjoyable and fun,” Conley said. “So far, it’s been the talk of the town. I can’t wait to get it open.”