Jack Graham had all sorts of ideas when he took over the former Chi-Town Tap at 809 S. Illinois St. and so far, he said the idea for a neighborhood bar with fairly-priced food has been a hit.

Jack's Bar and Grill opened on May 1, a month after Chi-Town closed its doors after nine years in business. Graham changed the hours from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. and opened the kitchen full-time.

"I knew if I had the opportunity to run a place like this that I'd get it right," Graham said. "(previous owner Julia) gave me an offer that I had to jump on."

On top of traditional bar drinks, Jack's serves Chicago-style food like burgers, Italian beef and wings as well as providing soda and candy for the younger crowd who might come in during the day.

"My goal is to be the only bar in town like this; we don't make judgment calls on people," Jack said. "I want an open atmosphere where everyone is welcome. We want to be here for whoever wants to come in."

Jack's is holding a luau on July 20 with a dunk tank and bags.

"We're really a neighborhood bar and there's not many of them left," Jack said. "I've met people that live just down the block that I've never met and I've lived here for 13 years."

Popular Peru restaurant closes

Water Street Pub, 1525 Water St., Peru, on the Illinois River waterfront closed permanently last week.

The restaurant/bar posted to its Facebook page: "It is with great sadness and deep emotional regret that we have to inform you that Waterstreet has permanently closed. Waterstreet has been my dream since I sat there at 5 years old and talked to my grandfather day after day. I have put my heart into the reconstruction 15 years ago and have been there almost every morning in that time. The building will be for sale in the near future. Most of my personal contents will also be sold. Any interested party please private message me."

The Times is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. This can include the opening of new businesses and businesses that are closing. Much of our reporting relies on what we see and hear, but we're also reaching out to readers for tips on business items. If you have a tip to share, email Brent Bader at bbader@shawmedia.com or call 815-431-4045.