Owners of a Galesburg barbecue restaurant say a new downtown location will allow the business to grow, expand hours and better serve the community.
Smokin’ Willies BBQ is eyeing a $290,600 project that will renovate 161 N. Cherry St. — originally the Moose Lodge and most recently home to several other restaurants — into its new location. It has operated the last three years at Cedar Creek Hall, and before that in the former Fat Fish Pub.
“We needed a home, and this is where we decided to go,” said Tania Gibbs, co-owner of Smokin’ Willies with Wayland Cunningham. “The location on Cherry Street is not too big, but it’s big enough for us to grow in.”
Gibbs said the move was sparked by Cedar Creek Hall, 571 E. North St., being listed for sale by the owners.
Gibbs and Cunningham are proposing to purchase 161 N. Cherry St. and conduct renovations to open a permanent home for their business. Smokin’ Willies is requesting $62,400 in revolving loan financing from the city as part of an overall $290,600 project.
In addition to the purchase of the property, project expenses include the installation of new interior lighting, replacement of ceiling fans, replacement of exhaust fans in the restrooms, new appliances, new shelving, new ceiling tiles, replacement of interior doors, and repairs to the roofing materials.
The building is approximately 8,200 square feet and currently has one tenant, but a large portion of the building has been underutilized, so the renovations and establishment of a restaurant will bring new life to the building and neighborhood.
Smokin’ Willies also is seeking a facade grant to assist with exterior improvements to the property, including new signage and windows. The Facade Advisory Committee met on Dec. 5, and recommended approval of the facade assistance in an amount not to exceed $18,991.39, or 50% of the actual final project costs, whichever is less.
Smokin’ Willies started as an event/catering business which then graduated to a food truck and most recently has rented kitchens in the two existing businesses. The expansion will not only give Smokin’ Willies a permanent full-time location, but it will allow the business to expand its offerings to include a full bar, gaming and event center.
The future hours at the new location will also expand, with the restaurant being open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Smokin’ Willies currently is open for dinner four days a week.
Renovations to the new building are planned to start after the first of the year and will be completed by the Spring of 2024.
