Burgers, breakfast and low prices: Peoria restaurant owner is expanding to second location

A Peoria restaurant is expanding to a second location after six months in operation.

On Da Bun Burgers N More – originally Shawn’s Kitchen – opened inside of Mr. Food Mart at 1102 S. Western Ave. in February. Now, executive chef Shawn Holler is bringing his business to the Northwoods Mall.

Mall general manager Julie Revallo reached out to Holler after watching a segment about On Da Bun on TV. She said Holler "seemed like a really wonderful man” who cared deeply about those in the community.

“I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh. I'd love to have him over at the Northwoods Mall’ because he seemed so passionate,” Revallo said.

Holler plans to hold a grand opening for the new storefront on Oct. 11.

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What’s on the menu at On Da Bun?

At Northwoods Mall, Holler said he will serve American cuisine from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The concept will add to the variety of dining options for visitors, which now include Smo-King Pit, Famous Wok and Taqueria Jalisco Antojitos Mexicanos.

"He’s going to bring different kinds of food that we don't have at the mall,” Revallo said. “And I think breakfast will be a big hit for him.”

Breakfast, which will be served from 8 to 11 a.m., ranges in price from $2.49 to $8.49 and includes:

• Two pancakes for $2.49. Customers can choose from six different flavors.

• Sausage biscuits and gravy for $3.49. Holler said people have said he serves “the best gravy on this side of the country.”

• Breakfast platter for $5.99. The dish features scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, hash brown crowns and toast.

Lunch includes a $4.99 weekday special from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Customers can order a quarter-pound cheeseburger, a hot beef polish, a quarter pound beef hot dog, twin sliders or a pork fritter. Each entrée is served with fries. Many “on da bun” menu items – including hot dogs, burgers and other sandwiches – are listed for under $10.

Dinner is served from 3 to 7 p.m. and ranges in price from $10.99 to $16.99. Customers can find:

• Blackened chicken fettuccine Alfredo

• Country fried steak dinner

• Surf and turf dinner, which includes an 8-ounce ribeye, breaded shrimp and two sides

Dessert foods are also available, according to the menu.

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What will happen to the Mr. Food Mart location?

Since announcing the new location, Holler said he has heard a similar question from community members: "Are you going to close (the current) location?”

“No, no, no, no, no, no,” he said. “I'll be here until me and the landlord don't get along no more.”

Holler has hired a general manager to run the Mr. Food Mart location and said he is searching for one more employee to help take orders and wash dishes.

Starting Oct. 1, Holler said, the space will operate from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. While the 1102 S. Western Ave. location will no longer offer breakfast, Holler said many of the menu items will be similar to what will be offered at Northwoods Mall.

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What happened to the previous tenant?

The new On Da Bun space was previously home to Peoria Hot Wings, which continues to operate right next door.

Revallo said the business now shares a unit with Taqueria Jalisco Antojitos Mexicanos, which is owned and operated by the same family.

More: This Peoria mall offers a variety of dining options. Here's what you'll find at each

Bringing life to Northwoods Mall

Currently, Holler said he is in the process of setting up the space and searching for a few more employees. He started a GoFundMe for equipment needs but said he could also take out a business loan if necessary.

“I’m going to make it happen,” he said.

Holler remembers visiting the mall and arcade as a kid. He said his goal is to bring that same bustling atmosphere back. The space will have a “retro diner type look,” and Holler plans on ordering a mascot to walk around and draw in customers.

“It needs a little life, and I'm going to try to give it what I can give it,” Holler said.

While Holler’s goal has been to open a sit-down location, he said he was willing to wait for the right space. He said he was struck by Revallo’s focus on helping small businesses succeed.

"They're looking to help family, local businesses get their business going and they're willing to help in any way possible …,” Holler said. "She really is trying her best to bring back the spirit to the mall.”

For Revallo, working to offer an affordable rent for tenants is an easy choice. With inflation and rising costs, she said she doesn’t want to charge businesses so much that they end up closing.

In the end, Revallo said, she wants to “get the mall built back up.”

“I really think that if you fill up the mall, people are going to come and then they're going to spend more money,” Revallo said. “And I mean, why have an empty space? I'm paying the utilities out there anyway. I'd rather have the lights on and have it full.”

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria, IL restaurant On Da Bun expanding to Northwoods Mall