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Updated: April 30, 2024 @ 2:42 pm
The Hive Honey Beetique is set to reopen this May at its new location.
One of the apiaries belonging to the Hive Honey Beetique.
Trefzger
Ben Oberg stocks tomatoes at Urbana’s Market at the Square.
The Hive Honey Beetique is set to reopen this May at its new location.
One of the apiaries belonging to the Hive Honey Beetique.
Trefzger
Ben Oberg stocks tomatoes at Urbana’s Market at the Square.
Email business news to Jana Wiersema at jwiersema@news-gazette.com.
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The Hive Honey Beetique in Mahomet will reopen at its new location, 1828 Patton Drive, Suite 2, on Wednesday, May 1. A grand opening is set for May 11.
Owner Jessica Trefzger said she is excited about the move and “ready to get back to bees-ness.”
The shop closed its Sangamon on Main location in January, which was earlier than expected but necessary due to temperature control issues. Trefzger said it’s been an “obstacle course” since then but they’ve been able to work with other local businesses to sell their products in the interim.
The Hive got occupancy on April 17, and their “beetique”, tasting room and workshop will be open on May 1, she said. However, they are still working with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to open their commercial kitchen.
The business’s new location is part of Tabeling Development’s Vision South development along U.S. 150.
Arcola Hen House still afloat
While Mahomet’s Hen House was recently demolished to make way for a multi-tenant building, another location remains open at 547 E. Springfield Rd. in Arcola.
When asked what’s kept them going, manager Pauline Dorr pointed to the quality of the food.
“I think it’s the employees too,” she added. “Everybody gets along with the customers. They like coming in and saying hi.”
It’s unclear how many Hen House Restaurants are left in Illinois, let alone the United States.
Market at the Square returns
Urbana’s Market at the Square will return to Lincoln Square on Saturday, May 4 and run from 7 a.m. to noon.
“We’ll be here Saturdays until Oct 26th, rain or shine,” said market coordinator Bryan Heaton.
More information is available at urbanamarket.org.
May the Fourth be with you (and free comics too)
Looking to spend next weekend in a galaxy far, far away?
In honor of its 25th anniversary, “The Phantom Menace” is being re-released in cinemas. Area theaters showing the flick include the Savoy 16 + IMAX, AMC Champaign 13 and Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In, with showtimes starting Friday, May 3.
Additionally, Skateland Savoy will celebrate May the Fourth with a Star Wars Celebration from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Customers who show up wearing Star Wars merchandise will receive a coupon for a free soda with paid admission.
May 4 is also the date for Free Comic Book Day 2024, and both the Champaign Public Library and the Urbana Free Library have events planned to mark the occasion.
Dark Tower Comics Champaign, located at 205 N. Market St., is celebrating the occasion as well and has announced that comic book writer Markisan Naso (whose work includes “By The Horns” and “Voracious”) will be at the store on May 4 from noon to 3 p.m.
The store said more announcements about Free Comic Book Day will be shared soon.
A new twist on Rotary
Rotary District 6490 has announced the launch of Chambana “Pub Club” Rotary, which local leaders described as “a unique, innovative, contemporary, and more social approach to the traditional Rotary club.”
A kickoff event will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2 at Riggs Beer Company at 1901 S. High Cross Rd. in Urbana. Prospective members must be 18 years or older and should RSVP at champaignrotary.info by April 30.
“This is a new, exciting, innovative, and social way for Champaign-Urbana area residents to have a bit of fun while supporting friends and neighbors in our community,” said Janet Ellis-Nelson, District Governor of Rotary District 6490. “Chambana Pub Club Rotary is definitely not your grandfather’s, or your father’s, Rotary club.”
Local Rotary leaders said that Pub Clubs maintain the organization’s core values, such as service to community and youth development initiatives.
However, instead of traditional weekly Rotary club meetings, speakers and presentations, Pub Club members attend gatherings that incorporate “more social interaction in more relaxed, fun, and sociable environments.”
“Pub Clubs build on the core values, dedication, and commitment of traditional Rotary clubs with a twist,” said Dawn Coyne, one of the organizers for the local Pub Club. “It’s a unique way for adults who want to support our community to do so, while expanding their social network in a more relaxed atmosphere, have some fun, and feel good about serving others along the way.”
Rotarians from area clubs will be at the launch event to answer questions.
So You Want to Start a Business?
As part of National Small Business Week, the Champaign Public Library will host a panel discussion among local business owners on Tuesday, April 30 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Robeson Pavilion Room A and B.
The event is presented in collaboration with the Champaign Center Partnership. Panelists will include Kayla Brown (Fire Doll Studio), Mila Thomas Fuller (Nothing Bundt Cakes), Mickie Phetchareune (Sticky Rice), Armando Sandoval (Maize Mexican Grill) and Jenny Shima (The Literary).
“(Attendees) can expect to learn some really great information about starting your business in Champaign or other cities similar from some of our great member businesses,” said Jenna Manolakes, executive director of the Champaign Center Partnership. “And I think they’ll be going through some of the struggles that they’ve faced and how to ensure success through problems they’ve seen.”
Engineering firms announce merger
Midwest Engineering, a 34-person firm based out of East Peoria, has merged with Fehr Graham, which has several offices in the Midwest, including one in Champaign.
Company officials from Fehr Graham said that Midwest Engineering will be known as “Midwest Engineering Associates, a Fehr Graham company” during the transition and will eventually become Fehr Graham.
Midwest staff will continue to operate from their offices in East Peoria and Peoria, as well as Coralville, Iowa.
“We wanted a partner with similar values and business acumen,” said Midwest Engineering co-owner Robert Culp. “Fehr Graham has grown over the years but has maintained a small firm feel by being attentive to clients, which resonated with our approach to client business.”
“When we saw the level of services and expertise Midwest Engineering brought to the table, we knew they would be a perfect addition to our team,” said Fehr Graham President Mick Gronewold. “Their culture fits seamlessly with ours, and together, we’re stronger.”
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