STERLING – Renovation is progressing for a new downtown restaurant at 23 E. Third St., the former home of Twin City Cafe.
Mudae Xheka, owner of Mom’s Diner, said it is early in the process, so more details will come later. She did say that the diner will likely be a strictly breakfast-and-lunch establishment. Hours aren’t yet etched in stone, but she is thinking 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If the name sounds familiar, maybe you’ve seen Mudae at the Galena Steakhouse in Dixon. The daughter of owner Danny Qulafi, Mudae has been managing that business for her father. Her brother, the main chef at the steakhouse, might also do some work for Mudae.
Mudae has no firm opening date yet, but hopes to open the diner doors before the end of the year.
Game on at Suzi’s
ROCK FALLS – Business has been brisk at Suzi’s Video Poker and Slots at 1019 First Ave. Since Suzi’s opened in mid-August, its five machines have produced a few big winners, said James Murray, an employee at the gaming outlet.
Photocopies of some of the big payouts included a check for $1,200. The state receives 25 percent of video gambling profits, while municipalities get 5 percent. The remainder is split between the machine operator and business owners.
Murray is one of four part-timers employed by Suzi’s. Four of the five machines have multiple games, and there is an ATM. Illinois law requires that video gambling establishments have a liquor license. Each license allows five gambling terminals.
Players are offered soft drinks, coffee and chips at no cost, and beer and wine is sold. A lounge area with TVs is set up for customers who are waiting for a terminal.
Owner Suzi McAfoos also has specialty gambling facilities in Coal Valley, Silvis, Princeton, Galesburg, Kewanee, LaSalle, Streator, Peru, and two in Ottawa.
Suzi’s is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Hours can be extended if business warrants it, Murray said.
Suzi’s can be reached at 815-716-8782.
Heard through The Grapevine
ROCK FALLS – The opening date for The Grapevine Wine and Martini Bar at 205 W. Second St. has been pushed back.
Owner Violet Jaramillo had hoped to have the new downtown bar open this month, but some minor construction delays intervened, she said.
Jaramillo is now looking to open with a Halloween party on Oct. 31. She said she still might open a week or two earlier. If that’s the case, the Halloween party might also serve as a grand opening bash.
The Grapevine is being designed with an artistic urban feel to fill a perceived entertainment void in the area, Jaramillo said. A small selection of craft and domestic beers will be offered, but the focus will be on the type of wine and martinis that often can be found only in upscale restaurants.
Patrons will be able to hang out on a new deck, and bottles of wine will be available for carryout.