Champaign County's Changing Food Scene: What's In and What's Out
Champaign County is experiencing significant changes in its food and drink landscape, with new establishments opening and some familiar spots closing.
New Additions
- Dutch Bros Coffee
- Locations: Green Street and Lincoln Avenue, Urbana
Notable: Long lines for the grand opening
- Big Sharks
- Location: Prospect Avenue, Champaign
Specialty: Fried fish and chicken
- Blind Pig
- Location: Downtown Champaign (former Destihl space)
Offerings: Pizza, burgers, and a wide selection of beers
- Sumo Kitchen
- Location: South Neil Street, Champaign
Cuisine: Japanese, including sushi and sashimi
- Mashawee House
- Location: Inside Strawberry Fields, Urbana
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, featuring shawarma and kabobs
Coming Soon
- Blue Ethiopian
- Location: Walnut Avenue
- Cuisine: Authentic Ethiopian food
- SangEat
- Location: South Neil Street
Cuisine: Upscale Indian
- Spitfire Chicken
- Location: Formerly a revolving restaurant spot
- Specialty: Rotisserie chicken
Closures
- Guido’s Bar & Grill
- Location: Downtown Champaign
Note: A longtime staple in the area
- Timpone’s Restaurant
- Closed: December
Note: Another longtime favorite
- Epic Burger
Closed: Due to competitive challenges
- Slim Chickens
Closed: Due to competitive challenges
- Bob Evans
- Location: Neil Street
Note: Space to be occupied by another Dutch Bros Coffee
- Health Alliance Medical Plans
- Note: Closure will impact local jobs
Conclusion
The dynamic nature of Champaign County's business world is evident in these changes. While some establishments face challenges, new options continue to emerge, offering fresh and diverse choices for residents and visitors alike.
