Actors have Academy Awards. Athletes have the Olympics. Rockers have the hall of fame.
Burger joints have “Hamburger America: A State-by-State Guide to 220 of the Greatest Burger Joints Across the Country” by restaurateur George Motz.
Paxton-based Just Hamburgers shared on social media that it is one of 12 Illinois restaurants to be featured in the book’s fourth edition, which was released Tuesday.
The news comes as the local business — a staple in Paxton for over 50 years — begins construction on a second location at 1056 S. Market St. in Monticello, not far from the local high school.
Co-owner Todd Thorstenson said workers broke ground on April 9, and the project could take three to four months depending on weather conditions. “We really want to be open no later than August 1,” he said. “If we can be open earlier, we will.”
In discussing delays, Thorstenson said the Illinois Department of Transportation required a water-retention system at the site, which the business had not initially planned on. He added the restaurant has received support from the city of Monticello and the community since announcing plans in June 2025.
“We’re very excited about being there, so the sooner, the better,” Thorstenson said.
Mexican food truck opens
La Michoacana on Wheels, a new food truck in Champaign County, made its debut on Friday.
The business’ menu includes strawberries and cream, ice cream, Mexican street corn and chicharrones.
More information is available on the food truck’s Facebook page.
Candle shop secures crowd-funded loan
Fire Doll Studio, located at 29 E. Main St. in downtown Champaign, has received a boost from the community.
The business recently shared on social media that it was pursing a Kiva loan “to help us get through the slower summer months.”
“Big banks can make it very difficult to survive as a small business, with the high interest and fees they charge us for funding,” the business wrote on April 9. “Kiva is a nonprofit that offers small loans to small businesses with ZERO interest and fees. That is INCREDIBLE for us. That allows lender dollars to work for us and not the banks. These loans are crowd-funded and repaid over 36 months.”
Less than a week after the business asked community members to consider contributing to the cause, the $13,000 loan was fully funded by approximately 60 lenders.
The business previously used a Kiva loan to open its first location.
Local publisher to open bookstore in Urbana mall
Spineless Books is opening a shop in the east wing of Lincoln Square, near Amara Yoga & Arts. The plan is to have a grand opening at 5 p.m. on June 5, said William Gillespie, who co-owns the shop with Kathryn Harmon.
The shop will sell “the greatest books ever published,” Gillespie said. This includes new and used books at a variety of age levels and price points, “with an emphasis on fiction, poetry, indy presses, and artist’s books.”
“We will also sell fine records, toys, framed art, crafts for kids, and the occasional newfangled digital media,” he said. “Every week will spotlight a different favorite author or musician. We aim to share the art we most love from a lifetime of digging, exploring, and collecting with our deserving community. We’d most like to inspire reading and help folks with their fear of poetry. We got Kafka. We got coffee.”
Former Asian grocery store on the market
2020 S. Neil St., Champaign — formerly home to Green Onion Asian Market — is available to lease.
According to a listing by Guth and Associates, the space is approximately 4,500 square feet and could be subdivided to as little as 890 “though the ownership prefers to lease the premises in its entirety.”
“Currently configured to accommodate food service/grocery, the suite includes a small kitchen outfitted with a 3-compartment sink, two refrigeration units, a stove, a 6-foot exhaust hood with Ansul system, and hand sinks,” the firm wrote.
More information is available at crexi.com.
AI and analytics hub opens
Materials science company Dow opened a new delivery center at the University of Illinois Research Park on April 8.
“The center is a dedicated hub for artificial intelligence, data engineering, and advanced analytics supporting Dow’s global operations,” research park officials wrote in a social media post. “It is the latest chapter in a decades-long relationship between Dow and the University of Illinois, one that now includes students working alongside full-time professionals on live AI and data initiatives.”
Additionally, Johnson Controls celebrated a soft opening of its new office at the research park on April 9 and welcomed its first team of interns.
The company offers building technology, software and services with an emphasis on sustainability.
“Johnson Controls is accelerating its shift to an AI-driven commercial building technology provider, integrating IoT (Internet of Things), cloud computing and AI to create autonomous, sustainable and secure spaces,” research park officials said. “Its strategy centers on increasing operational efficiency, reducing carbon footprints and lowering building lifecycle costs.”
Hospital announces leadership transition
Kirby Medical Center CEO Steve Tenhouse is retiring after 25 years, and Chief Clinical Officer Jennifer Moss has been appointed as his replacement, per a Tuesday announcement from the Piatt County-based healthcare provider.
Moss said she is “honored” to serve in the leadership role.
“This organization has a strong legacy of excellence, and I look forward to working with our talented team to continue advancing care, expanding services, and meeting the evolving needs of our community,” she said.
Moss has served as chief clinical officer for 22 years.
Gary Huisinga, chair of Kirby Medical Center’s board of directors, said Moss’ “vision, experience, and dedication to our patients and staff make her the ideal choice to lead the organization into the future.”
“Steve’s leadership has left a lasting impact on Kirby Medical Center and the community we serve,” Huisinga said. “His dedication, integrity, and focus on excellence have positioned Kirby for long-term success. We are deeply grateful for his years of service.”
“It has been an honor to serve alongside such an incredible team and to be part of a community that truly values compassionate, high-quality care,” Tenhouse said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident in the organization’s future.”