'Coming soon': Here's a look at Peoria area restaurants expected to open in 2024

Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star

The past year saw a variety of changes to the Peoria area's food scene. Many restaurants opened their doors for the first time, while others said goodbye to the community. Some updated their menus, while others pivoted to new locations.

Now that 2023 is officially behind us, though, it is time to look toward the future. So, here is a look at some of the restaurants and bars which expect to open in 2024.

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

Culver's − Washington

The former Core & Main property at 115 N. Cummings Lane in Washington is set to become a new Culver's location.
The former Core & Main property at 115 N. Cummings Lane in Washington is set to become a new Culver's location.

Culver's is working to open at 115 N. Cummings Lane. While the restaurant chain has multiple Peoria-area locations, this will be the only storefront in Washington.

The business will be situated on the lot that was previously home to Core & Main. The restaurant will operate next to Taco Bell and across the street from additional dining establishments.

Culver's store locator currently lists the storefront as "coming soon."

More: This Midwestern fast-food chain is opening a location in Washington. Here's what we know

Neon Bison

Owners of the Neon Bison nightclub at 514 Main Street in downtown Peoria are planning to move the business into the former Wing Works restaurant at 617 Main Street later this year.
Owners of the Neon Bison nightclub at 514 Main Street in downtown Peoria are planning to move the business into the former Wing Works restaurant at 617 Main Street later this year.

Currently situated at 514 Main St., The Neon Bison is working to move to its new location this year. The downtown Peoria business is not traveling far, however. The new location will be located just up the street at 617 Main St., and managing owner Jon Hopkins said the space is expected to more than double the business's capacity.

“We really felt like downtown was where the bison was home,” Hopkins said. “And that Nashville themed, kind of honky-tonk, cleaned-up dive bar – that is kind of meant for a downtown-type area.”

Pop-Up Chicken Shop

Aaron Francis, owner of the Pop-up Chicken Shop in Bloomington, plans to expand to a new renovated space in the 800 block of SW Adams Street in Peoria's Warehouse District.
Aaron Francis, owner of the Pop-up Chicken Shop in Bloomington, plans to expand to a new renovated space in the 800 block of SW Adams Street in Peoria's Warehouse District.

This Bloomington restaurant is planning to open a new location in Peoria’s Warehouse District in the spring of 2024.

Owner Aaron Francis said he received multiple requests to bring Pop-Up Chicken Shop to Peoria. The new storefront will be housed in the Baldovin Development Co.’s Adams & Oak project.

“I'm just excited to be a part of a pretty cool thing,” Francis said. “I really love the way Peoria is trying to expand their downtown area, and I love what Casey is trying to do with the Warehouse District.”

The restaurant’s staple menu item is its Illinois Hot Chicken. Francis described the dish as “our ode to Nashville hot chicken, but it’s completely different.”

More: This popular Bloomington chicken restaurant is expanding to Peoria next year

Tangled Roots Brewpub and Restaurant project

Demolition is complete at the site of a future brewpub on the square in Washington. Delays and rising costs have slowed progress on the project, but the business is expected to open in November of 2024.
Demolition is complete at the site of a future brewpub on the square in Washington. Delays and rising costs have slowed progress on the project, but the business is expected to open in November of 2024.

A project bringing a restaurant and brewpub to Washington is expected to open in November 2024.

The development initially planned to open in December 2023 but rising costs and interest rates pushed the timeline back. Once completed, the space will include a rooftop bar, as well as space for events and residential units.

More: This major Washington brew pub development is making progress. Here's the latest plan

Revel & Maker

Located directly above Ardor Breads and Provisions, Revel & Maker is expected to open in 2024.

According to a social media announcement, the new business will be “inspired by prohibition era cocktail bars and the mid-western supper club.” The establishment's Instagram page – @revel_maker – also features images of various cocktails.

More: Popular downtown Peoria bakery and restaurant will open new bar and dining concept

Rice & Spice

Signs announce Rice & Spice will be "coming soon" to the space which once housed Dac's Smokehouse at the Campustown Shopping Center. The restaurant will offer Indian Cuisine, according to the posted signs.
Signs announce Rice & Spice will be "coming soon" to the space which once housed Dac's Smokehouse at the Campustown Shopping Center. The restaurant will offer Indian Cuisine, according to the posted signs.

The restaurant is situated in the former home of Dac's Smokehouse at the Campustown Shopping Center.

The Peoria City/County Health Department completed a final inspection in December and noted that the "establishment is able to open at any time on or after January 1st 2024." While no opening date has been announced, a sign posted to the doors notes that the Indian restaurant is "coming soon."

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Here's a look at Peoria area restaurants expected to open in 2024

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