Fairview Heights eatery opens, retail shop closes, a St. Clair County bar prepares to close
Do you ever wonder where or how I learn about some of the restaurant and business openings, closings and updates in our area?
A lot of info is gleaned from digital word of mouth.
Word of hand? Keyboard? Whatever. You know what I mean.
Emails from readers and colleagues are a common method. Social media, particularly Facebook, is also a fount of information and updates.
I jokingly refer to it as “borderline cyberstalking.” But, you know, in a lighthearted, non-threatening way.
I’ve even developed a habit of looking when I’m not on the clock. I just can’t turn it off anymore.
But that’s a good thing because, otherwise, I wouldn’t have the following items to share:
Jersey Mike’s Subs
I reported back in October that Fairview Heights would soon welcome a Jersey Mike’s Subs.
There was some Facebook chatter this week that the fast-casual sandwich franchise was open or would be soon.
I was in the area on Wednesday, May 3, and saw they were open. So I stopped in to ask what day the shop officially opened.
My timing was good.
It was the first day, according to Allan Arndt, Director of Training for Jersey Mike’s, who said opening day was “going really well.”
Jersey Mike’s Sub is located at 6570 B N. Illinois St. in Fairview Heights.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
For more info, call 618-744-1439 or visit jerseymikes.com.
Wooden Mouth
The owner of Wooden Mouth, located at 423 W. Hanover St. in New Baden, recently announced that the business will soon close.
“This is a bittersweet moment for all of us at Wooden Mouth, with the birth of a newborn child coming soon we decided it was time to close this chapter of our lives to prepare for the next chapter of what life will bring us,” stated an April 25 Facebook post, which was signed by owner Brant Kehrer.
The bar and grill opened two years ago at a site that previously housed A Fine Swine and The Outside Inn.
I was not able to reach Kehrer for comment.
The Wooden Mouth is currently counting down the days to closing.
There will be a farewell celebration Saturday, May 13. Closing day is Sunday, May 14.
For more information, call 618-588-5181 or visit facebook.com/Woodenmouth.
Versona
In case you missed it, Versona, a fashion boutique at 134 St. Clair Square Fairview Heights, closed last month.
I got a heads-up on this one from former BND food editor Suzanne Boyle, who learned about the upcoming closing while shopping back in March.
I wasn’t able to get details or the reasons for the closing. Messages left for the store’s district manager were not returned.
Days after the store closed I stopped by to find a notice on the door that stated the last day was April 15.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREShare your tips
Dear readers,
We know you love news about restaurants and other businesses in southwestern Illinois. And we love to write columns and stories about them.
But we could use your help. We need your eyes and ears to let us know what is going on across this expansive region because we can’t be everywhere in every community.
So please share your tips, suggestions, story leads, questions and announcements about restaurants and other businesses in our region. We’re looking for news about new places, moves, menu changes, major renovation projects and whatever you think would be of interest to your fellow readers. Are you curious about something you have seen or heard about a local business or restaurant? Share those questions with us and we can check them out.
Please send your information to Jennifer Green at jgreen@bnd.com and newsroom@bnd.com or call 618-239-2500.
Thanks for your help!
This story was originally published May 9, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
