Cassidy Waigand

1 week ago | pjstar.com | Cassidy Waigand

On Saturday, Chillicothe-based business SmokinGhost BBQ secured the top spot in the brisket category of the Kansas City Barbecue Society World Invitational Championship’s Wells Cup contest. The team received a perfect score of 180 in the category. The 7th annual World Invitational Championship was held in Lebanon, Tennessee, from May 23 through May 25. SmokinGhost BBQ was among 106 championship teams which faced off in the Wells Cup Contest.

1 week ago | pjstar.com | Cassidy Waigand

Patrons can enjoy a refreshing cocktail while sitting on the patio at Brienzo’s Pizza + Bar’s new Plaza West location – situated at 7713 N. Orange Prairie Road in Peoria. On May 5, the Peoria Liquor Commission unanimously voted in favor of a sidewalk café subclass for the storefront. The subclass allows establishments to serve alcoholic beverages to guests in an outdoor seating area. Co-owner Beau Landry said Brienzo’s has since received final approval from Mayor Rita Ali.

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Cassidy Waigand

On May 27, The Popcorn Shoppe announced the closure of its kiosk at Northwoods Mall. It described the space – which opened last October – as “an experiment” and said Sunday, May 25 was its final day. “Thank you for everyone that patronized the business at the mall,” the business wrote on Facebook, “and we have been so delighted to get our popcorn into the hands of so many new customers.”The shop’s Metro Centre location will continue to operate.

1 week ago | pjstar.com | Cassidy Waigand

On May 27, The Popcorn Shoppe announced the closure of its kiosk at Northwoods Mall. It described the space – which opened last October – as “an experiment” and said Sunday, May 25 was its final day. “Thank you for everyone that patronized the business at the mall,” the business wrote on Facebook, “and we have been so delighted to get our popcorn into the hands of so many new customers.”The shop’s Metro Centre location will continue to operate.

1 week ago | pjstar.com | Cassidy Waigand

On May 23, father-and-son team Nathan and Kaleb Hacker officially opened The Best Brew Wildlife Adventure Café within Wildlife Prairie Park. The space – situated within the park’s snack shack – offers the community a consistent spot to find The Best Brew Espresso & Coffee this season. Customers can find foods from other establishments in the area, as well, as the Hacker family is using the storefront to support a slew of small, local businesses.