'All things must pass': These Peoria-area restaurants and businesses closed in 2023

Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star
Updated ·8 min read

Over the past year, the Peoria area has bid farewell to a number of local businesses.

So, here is a look at the restaurants and other establishments that have closed in 2023. The list includes places that are temporarily closed or have indicated plans to revive the business in the future.

1. Bearded Owl Brewing

Bearded Owl Brewing is closing after nearly six years in business in Peoria.
Bearded Owl Brewing is closing after nearly six years in business in Peoria.

Bearded Owl Brewing announced it would close after a final day on Dec. 30. The craft brewery, which featured a variety of beers, operated in Peoria for nearly six years.

"All things must pass. For everything, there is a beginning, a middle, and an end," the business wrote in its initial announcement. "We’ve reached the end my friends."

'We’ve reached the end': Peoria brewery plans to close

2. Carius family Dairy Queen

A Dairy Queen sign is shown in a file photo.
A Dairy Queen sign is shown in a file photo.

In Morton, the local Dairy Queen announced its closure in February. The Carius family had operated the business for over seven decades.

In a September Facebook post, the Morton Chamber of Commerce shared that the storefront would be revived as Carius Creamery. The rebranded business expects to reopen in the spring of 2024.

More: Local family plans to revive Morton ice cream shop with new branding

3. Dac’s Smokehouse − Peoria

The prime brisket sandwich from Dac’s Smokehouse, 1200 W. Main St. in Campustown, is composed of the eatery’s prime barbecue brisket covered with white cheddar, caramelized onions, and smoked garlic aioli on a brioche bun with pickles on the side. A variety of side dishes, like Carolina coleslaw, are available.
The prime brisket sandwich from Dac’s Smokehouse, 1200 W. Main St. in Campustown, is composed of the eatery’s prime barbecue brisket covered with white cheddar, caramelized onions, and smoked garlic aioli on a brioche bun with pickles on the side. A variety of side dishes, like Carolina coleslaw, are available.

In March, Dac’s Smokehouse closed its Campustown location. The restaurant said the lingering effects of COVID-19 and rising costs took a toll on the business.

"All of us as a crew tried everything and worked so hard these last few years but it just wasn't enough," the business wrote.

Dac’s Smokehouse continues to operate a location at 25 E. Adams St., Morton.

More: Popular barbecue restaurant shuts down. Here's what led to the decision

4. East Port Galley Restaurant & Pub

Vicki Love-Freeman, owner of The East Port Galley Restaurant and Pub, chats with customers Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the business in East Peoria.
Vicki Love-Freeman, owner of The East Port Galley Restaurant and Pub, chats with customers Thursday, April 27, 2023 at the business in East Peoria.

After being open for more than two decades, the East Port Galley closed in late April. Vicki Love-Freeman, the restaurant’s fourth owner, described all of the customers as family.

“Hugs whether they're having a good day or a bad day. Are they celebrating? Are they sorrowful? It all comes around, and they know we care,” she said.

A farewell to family: Why this longtime East Peoria restaurant is closing its doors

5. Faire Coffee – Peoria

A blackberry cream cheese Galette is pictured next to a cold brew at Faire Coffee. The cafe's Peoria location closed in February 2023.
A blackberry cream cheese Galette is pictured next to a cold brew at Faire Coffee. The cafe's Peoria location closed in February 2023.

Faire Coffee’s Peoria location closed at the end of February. However, the business continues to operate locations in Washington and Eureka.

The Peoria space, situated in The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, was later filled by a new shop – Bake & Brew Panadería.

More: Coffee shop in Peoria to close, but will celebrate its last days with promotions

6. Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs at 4123 N. Sterling Avenue in the Sterling Commons shopping center has closed down and the space is now available to lease.
Firehouse Subs at 4123 N. Sterling Avenue in the Sterling Commons shopping center has closed down and the space is now available to lease.

Peoria's only Firehouse Subs, located at 4123 N. Sterling Ave., closed earlier this year. The restaurant had opened in 2015 and offered a variety of sub sandwiches. Now, the closest Firehouse storefront is located in Bloomington.

More: Eight years after opening, Peoria's only Firehouse Subs location has closed

7. Genghis Grill

Genghis Grill has closed at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie.
Genghis Grill has closed at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie.

After less than two years in business, Genghis Grill closed its location in The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. The stir-fry restaurant had opened in January 2022 and operated in the space that previously housed Flat Top Grill.

More: Stir fry restaurant permanently closes at Peoria mall after less than two years

8. Glitzy Glizzy

The "Diamond Dog" smothered in lobster salad, dill and candied bacon, left, and the "Underdog" with caramelized onions, cheese sauce, bacon and shoestring potatoes sit on a silver platter next to a homemade banana pudding snack at Glitzy Glizzy.
The "Diamond Dog" smothered in lobster salad, dill and candied bacon, left, and the "Underdog" with caramelized onions, cheese sauce, bacon and shoestring potatoes sit on a silver platter next to a homemade banana pudding snack at Glitzy Glizzy.
The "Diamond Dog" smothered in lobster salad, dill and candied bacon, left, and the "Underdog" with caramelized onions, cheese sauce, bacon and shoestring potatoes sit on a silver platter next to a homemade banana pudding snack at Glitzy Glizzy.
The "Diamond Dog" smothered in lobster salad, dill and candied bacon, left, and the "Underdog" with caramelized onions, cheese sauce, bacon and shoestring potatoes sit on a silver platter next to a homemade banana pudding snack at Glitzy Glizzy.

Owner Emily Canterbury, who also owns Canterbury Creations, launched the hot dog business with unique menu items like the "Underdog" and the "Tribute." The "Diamond Dog" comes topped with lobster salad.

The restaurant has been temporarily closed, though, since Canterbury moved her businesses to Morton.

Facebook: 109 W Chicago St., Morton; https://www.facebook.com/p/Glitzy-Glizzy-100089227234073/

More: This Peoria catering and hot dog business has moved to a new location

9. Jazzy's Eatery

Jazzy's Eatery, in the former site of The Fry Spot at 3127 N. Prospect Rd. in Peoria, served Korean corn dogs and more.
Jazzy's Eatery, in the former site of The Fry Spot at 3127 N. Prospect Rd. in Peoria, served Korean corn dogs and more.

In a Facebook post on Oct. 13, Jazzy's Eatery wrote that, "We have decided not to reopen at this time." The announcement came roughly four months after the business had opened in June.

The restaurant, which sold Korean corn dogs and other menu items, went on to say, "We will be back."

Previously: Kimchi burgers and Korean corn dogs: Peoria restaurant to serve food with 'flair'

10. KP’s Wings and Fries

The former site of an ice cream shop at 12521 W. Farmington Road in Hanna City opened as KP's Wings and Fries last year. Now, the location is set to become a new restaurant.
The former site of an ice cream shop at 12521 W. Farmington Road in Hanna City opened as KP's Wings and Fries last year. Now, the location is set to become a new restaurant.

In August, KP's Wings and Fries announced it was temporarily closing "to reevaluate our business and better learn how to operate and better serve the community." The Hanna City restaurant opened in July 2022.

More: The best and worst Peoria food inspections for October

11. Mama’s Mahlzeit

Annalisa Skaggs-Hogue and Brandon Skaggs practice cooking in the kitchen together at Mama’s Mahlzeit.
Annalisa Skaggs-Hogue and Brandon Skaggs practice cooking in the kitchen together at Mama’s Mahlzeit.

Farmington restaurant Mama’s Mahlzeit closed in December "due to health reasons." The business, which featured a variety of German staples, had been in operation for less than a year.

More: Peoria-area restaurant announces closure 'with a very heavy heart'

12. Mrs. Fields & tcby

The Mrs. Fields space at the Northwoods Mall closed after more then two decades. The space was filled by Popper's Tea.
The Mrs. Fields space at the Northwoods Mall closed after more then two decades. The space was filled by Popper's Tea.

Mrs. Fields had operated for over two decades at the Northwoods Mall, according to mall general manager Julie Revallo. The space also housed tcby, which also closed.

The food court space has since been filled by Popper’s Tea.

More: Peoria mall food court set for a new business after longtime cookie shop closes

13. The Noshery

The Noshery, the food hall at Keller Station at 6035 Knoxville Avenue in Peoria, has been closed since February. The Noshery featured five restaurants and a bar under one roof, but rising costs and staffing issues proved to be too much.
The Noshery, the food hall at Keller Station at 6035 Knoxville Avenue in Peoria, has been closed since February. The Noshery featured five restaurants and a bar under one roof, but rising costs and staffing issues proved to be too much.

This business located at Keller Station opened in late 2021 with concepts focusing on ramen, tacos, pizza and more. When it closed in February, The Noshery noted that staffing struggles and rising costs had impacted the business.

"It was not for lack of effort. We are grateful for a fantastic and caring staff. Each of you took ownership and it never went unnoticed," the business wrote on Facebook.

More: Shuttered Peoria food hall could be transformed with new businesses. Here's what we know

14. Peoria Heights Wine & Bistro

Peoria Heights Wine & Bistro, formerly Waters Edge Winery & Bistro, shut down permanently.
Peoria Heights Wine & Bistro, formerly Waters Edge Winery & Bistro, shut down permanently.

Peoria Heights Wine & Bistro – formerly called Waters Edge Winery – announced it was permanently closing in May. Just over five months later, Clink Bar and Events opened in the space.

More: Peoria Heights owner closes winery and bistro 'with a heavy heart.' Here's what we know

15. Poppin In the Heights

The Depression-era Peoria Heights Pump House at 1203 E. Kingman Avenue in Peoria Heights is back up for lease. The property was once home to a pair of different popcorn and candy shops.
The Depression-era Peoria Heights Pump House at 1203 E. Kingman Avenue in Peoria Heights is back up for lease. The property was once home to a pair of different popcorn and candy shops.

Last year, Poppin In the Heights filled the space previously occupied by Popcorn Works and Sweet Shop. The business has since closed.

Peoria Heights terminated the KDB Group's lease at the Peoria Heights pump house in July of this year.

More: Peoria Heights says no to KDB Group proposal on historic building

16. Radish Kitchen

Jam Rohr closed Radish Kitchen in December.
Jam Rohr closed Radish Kitchen in December.

Owner Jam Rohr closed Radish Kitchen after a final day on Dec. 9. After grappling with rising costs and other challenges, Rohr said she was ready to "take a step back."

More: Peoria restaurant owner explains why she closed her business

17. Something Else 2 Taco Bout

A Mexican café from the owners of Richard's Under Main called Something Else 2 Taco Bout opened at 311 Main Street in downtown Peoria. The restaurant is temporarily closed.
A Mexican café from the owners of Richard's Under Main called Something Else 2 Taco Bout opened at 311 Main Street in downtown Peoria. The restaurant is temporarily closed.

The former site of Cracked Pepper Bakery and Cafe in downtown Peoria became home to Richard's Cafe earlier this year. The cafe closed in August before rebranding and reopening as Something Else 2 Taco Bout.

In November, though, the business announced it was temporarily closing "due to staffing issues and some equipment issues." The storefront has not yet reopened.

Details: 311 Main St., Peoria; (309) 839-1394, https://richardspeoria.com/something-2-taco-bout

18. The Spotted Cow

Peoria's iconic Spotted Cow ice cream shop at 718 W. Glen Avenue is up for sale.
Peoria's iconic Spotted Cow ice cream shop at 718 W. Glen Avenue is up for sale.

The restaurant announced a temporary closure in January. The 3,400-square-foot property, located at 718 W. Glen Ave., has since been listed for sale.

More: Building that housed longtime Peoria restaurant is on the market. Here's what we know

19. The Sweet Bean Coffee & Treats

The Sweet Bean Coffee & Treats will close after a final day on May 13.
The Sweet Bean Coffee & Treats will close after a final day on May 13.

The Pekin bakery closed after a final day on May 13.

Owner Audria Stork said the decision was not easy. However, she added that she and her assistant were ready for “the next chapter of our lives.”

“We appreciate all of your love and support SO much – but we’ve had a great run and it is time for this chapter to close,” Stork wrote in a Facebook post.

The building is now home to event venue The Den at 510, where Stork is planning to host cookie decorating classes.

'We've had a great run': Stress and financial strain lead Pekin bakery to close up shop

20. Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co.

Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. closed after over a decade in business. The final day was on June 25.
Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. closed after over a decade in business. The final day was on June 25.

The downtown Peoria coffee shop had operated for just over a decade before closing. Thirty-Thirty’s final day was on June 25.

Ty Paluska and his wife, Kami, later opened Intuition Coffee + Juice in the space.

More: 'The stars aligned' to bring a coffee shop back to this iconic downtown Peoria space

21. Two P’s Pizza & Pub

Murals adorned the sides of Two P’s Pizza & Pub in Pekin.
Murals adorned the sides of Two P’s Pizza & Pub in Pekin.

After announcing a temporary closure in April, the Pekin pizza restaurant shared a video of dismantling and leaving the storefront in June.

"Closing the doors to our family business has been a heartbreaking experience," Owner Christina Abatie wrote online. "So many emotions. So many memories. Navigating our way to the next chapter — still being written."

'A heartbreaking experience': Pekin pizza business has permanently closed

22. Yusuf's Cuisine

Co-owner Mohammed Zeid cuts an Imsakhan Pizza at Yusuf's Cuisine. The business announced it was permanently closing in late September.
Co-owner Mohammed Zeid cuts an Imsakhan Pizza at Yusuf's Cuisine. The business announced it was permanently closing in late September.

Yusuf's Cuisine operated for less than a year in Peoria before announcing its closure. The business, which opened in early May for dine-in, was created by mother-son team Samira Zeid and Mohammed Zeid.

In a Facebook post announcing the closure, Mohammed Zeid noted plans to bring a different concept to the area.

“I have always believed that when one door closes, another opens,” Zeid wrote.

More: This Middle Eastern restaurant has permanently closed in Peoria. Here's why

Connect with Cassidy Waigand by emailing her at CWaigand@gannett.com or by following her on Twitter at @justxaxwriter.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: These 22 Peoria-area businesses closed in 2023