It's Your Business | Epic Burger set to open in May in former Meatheads space

Feb. 25—Email business news to Jana Wiersema at jwiersema@news-gazette.com.

The conversion of the Meatheads on 1305 S. Neil St. into an Epic Burger has been pushed back again.

"Projects like this tend to slide a little bit, but we hope to get to Champaign soon," said Epic Burger CEO David Grossman. "Opening is likely by May 15. We have experienced some delays with our sign manufacturer and our construction team."

Previous estimates put the conversion date at Dec. 1 and, after that, March 1.

The local Meatheads will continue to operate until Epic Burgers is ready to remodel, Grossman said. They expect to be closed for remodeling for one week.

Epic Burger acquired all six Meadheads locations in Illinois in mid-September. The purchased locations have continued to be operated as Meatheads while the conversion to Epic Burger has been in progress.

Grossman said that while many products will change once the Champaign location switches over, the staff will remain the same.

While the Champaign Epic Burgers opening date is a few months a way, a new fast food option is now available in Danville.

A new Jersey Mike's Subs has opened at 3655 N. Vermilion St. Vermilion Advantage welcomed the franchise with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday.

El Patio rides again

In Champaign, a Mexican restaurant that closed down two years ago has found a new lease on life.

El Patio, formerly located at 2506 Village Green Place, shared on social media that it has been working on a food truck known as "Taqueria El Goso."

"We are not sure on our grand opening yet! But I will definitely keep you guys posted!" the business shared. "We will be posting updates and such on here! Thank you all for your continuous support!"

El Patio previously closed its doors in January of 2022, sharing on social media that the pandemic "made it difficult to survive."

Kaufmann hired to SURFACE 51 as CEO eyes succession strategy

Marketing firm SURFACE 51 has announced that founder and CEO Al Fleener is now partnering with Jennifer Hendricks Kaufmann, who has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer.

According to a release from the business, Fleener and Kaufmann will serve as partners in the coming years. During that time, Kaufmann's role will expand, "enabling Al to explore a path toward eventual retirement in a few years."

"I'm thrilled about this incredible addition to our team and the new strategic, innovative ideas that Jennifer brings," Fleener said. "The future for S51 looks even more awesome as we move towards our 20th anniversary early next year!"

Kaufmann previously served as strategic marketing director at Carle Health and has over 25 years of experience in marketing, corporate communications, media and advertising. Her career includes working as a television journalist at stations across Illinois such as WCIA, as well as serving as an instructor at Parkland College and adjunct lecturer at the University of Illinois.

Visitors bureau partners with Sports Illustrated on soccer showcase

Experience Champaign-Urbana has announced that the Sports Illustrated Prodigy Showcase, a "premier youth soccer event" presented by Prospects by Sports Illustrated (PSI), will be held at the Rantoul Family Sports Complex from July 25-28, 2024.

The visitors bureau said this marks their first collaboration with PSI.

"We are beyond excited to welcome the Sports Illustrated Prodigy Showcase to the Rantoul Family Sports Complex," said Mark Brown, Director of Sports, Events, & Film at Experience Champaign-Urbana. "This event represents a significant milestone for our community, bringing together top-tier talent from across various States and Canada, featuring some of the most elite teams in Illinois."

According to PSI, the showcase is being hosted in collaboration with the Central Illinois United soccer club, and all of the club's teams have committed to attend.

Per the release, the showcase will include the following levels and divisions of play:

Boys (United States): ECRL, ENCL, ENPL, E64, High School Boys

Boys (Canada): OPDL/Academy

Girls (United States): GA, ECNL, ECRL, E64

Girls (Canada): OPDL/Academy

In addition to soccer matches, the showcase will also include fitness combine testing programs and exclusive interviews with PSI.

According to the event website, the University of Illinois "will play a prominent role in the showcase, featuring a training session during the event at the field, as well a Q&A with the teams players and coaches for aspiring players."

There will also be NCAA scouts and coaches present at the tournament.

More information is available at sportsillustratedprospects.com. The mission of PSI is to elevate the youth sports industry and provide young athletes opportunities to complete "on a global platform."

Pavlov expands

Fiber internet provider Pavlov Media is expanding its footprint in Savoy. The company's gigabit-speed internet service will soon be available in the Cottages of Lake Falls subdivision, the business said in a release.

Campus Communication Group (CCG), Pavlov Media's subsidiary and drill operator will oversee the planning, design and construction of fiber-optic installation in this area of Savoy.

"CCG has done an incredible job laying the groundwork that allows Pavlov Media to supply more areas of Savoy with fiber-optic Internet," said Cory Douglas, CEO of Pavlov Media. "We can't wait to branch out further to provide more households, businesses and communities with an Internet service they can count on."

Residents of Savoy can check if service is available to them at pavlovmedia.com/il.

Nail salon to add Mahomet location

Guth & Associates and Fairlawn Real Estate have announced the addition of Modern Xpression Salon to Churchill Commons in Mahomet, with an expected opening of June 1.

Modern Xpression is owned by Michael and Michelle Nguyen, who are also the owners of Modern Nails and Salon Xpression in Champaign

"The new salon is currently under construction and nearly 3,400 square feet in size, opening to the outdoor plaza area," Guth & Associates shared in a release. "The salon will provide nail and related salon services and will also include a private manicure/pedicure room featuring 12 manicure stations and 6 pedicure stations to be used for private parties/events."

The salon will join other tenants such as Dunkin Donuts, The Rock Counseling Group, U of I Community Credit Union and Papa John's.