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Sears Hometown Store, 1550 1st Ave., Ottawa, has closed.
The store closing was announced in January and later closed in March. The store sold a variety of home appliances, lawn and garden appliances, and tools, among other items.
There are 900 Hometown Stores locally owned and operated in smaller communities throughout the country, according to Sears.
Rural Ottawa restaurant closes
After more than 10 years in business, Sandi’s Bar & Grill, 3112 E. 1961st Road, Dayton, announced its closure.
In a Facebook post, owner Sandi Cox cited the economy and financial difficulties as the reason.
“I will be forever grateful for all I have accomplished at Sandi’s and I thank everyone for all of the support we have received,” Cox wrote.
Oglesby restaurant temporarily closes following death of founder
The Root Beer Stand, 225 N. Columbia Ave., will be closed until Tuesday, March 29, in memory of Henry (Hank) Moore, who opened the Oglesby restaurant in the 1950s.
Per Hank’s wishes, there will be no services, noted a post on the business’ Facebook page, but people were asked to share their memories. Many shared memories of the man who gave them their first job, and some called the longtime face of the restaurant an Oglesby legend.
A large ceramic statue of a man holding a burger and a root beer has a sign propped in front of him that reads “Rest in peace Hamburger Hank.”
Utica restaurant under new ownership
Joy & Ed’s, 113 Mill St., Utica, is under new ownership.
The news was announced last week on the business’ Facebook page where Dana Bilyeu was listed as the new owner.
Barbecue restaurant reopens in Peru
Tony’s Butt Shack BBQ & Catering reopened last week at the South Shore Boat Club, 2380 Water St., Peru.
The second location at 601 U.S. 6, Hollowayville, will remain open.
Delivery through Door Dash will be available at a later date. The phone number for the Peru location is 815-223-9890.
Oglesby flower shop announces hours
While Lori Mudge, owner of Devine Florals Designs and Gifts, announced her plans to retire at the end of January, she has decided instead to be semi-retired.
The shop at 110 N. Columbia Ave., Oglesby, will remain open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The shop is stocked with flower arrangements, plants, gifts and other items. For more information, call 815-883-3373.
Spring Valley boutique temporarily closes
Amia Boutique announced its Spring Valley location at 223 E. St. Paul St. will be temporarily closed.
“We are making changes for an even better shopping experience for you all,” read a Facebook post on the business’ page.
A reopening date was not announced. Customers are encouraged to shop at Amia’s La Salle location at 633 1st St. or online at amiaboutique.com.
Cherry restaurant finds new owner
In October 2020, The Coal Company closed its doors after five years. It was recently announced the building has sold.
“This is our final farewell to all of our amazing customers and employees. We will be forever grateful for each and every one of you,” read the Facebook post announcing the sale. “We hope you show the new owners the continued support you had shown us over the years.”
A new Facebook page called Jojo’s Pub & Grub lists the former Coal Company as its address, 205 N. Main St. No further information was provided.
The Times / NewsTribune / Bureau County Republican is committed to keeping readers up to date with business happenings in the area. 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 for Eyes on Enterprise, email newsroom@mywebtimes.com.