Conn’s Hospitality Group on March 4 plans to open the Elkhart Station General Store along Route 66 in Elkhart, Illinois, that will feature Illinois-made products and tasting room for Illinois-based beer, wine and spirits.
Conn’s has a variety of business ventures in central Illinois, including the Obed & Isaac’s brewery, Inn at 835 boutique hotel, Wm. Van’s Coffee House, Elkhart Hill Farm and Vinegar Hill Mall.
The State-Journal Register in nearby Springfield had more details:
Marty Kerns-Boosinger of Sherman will be among the local makers featured in the general store.
She marked the venture by creating a new Route 66-themed quilted, dog bowl cozie under her brand, Natural Artistry.
“I just found the Route 66 material and I’m hoping it’ll be a tourist souvenir,” said Kerns-Boosinger, who has sold her dog treats at local farmers markets and her home for six years.
“(The general store) gives us more access to our customers and our customers more access to our products. And with Route 66’s tourist draw, this just gives us so many possibilities.”
Lauren Stead, marketing director for Conn, said the Elkhart store plans to open a community kitchen later this year.
The building is the former Blue Moon bar and grill at the corner of Route 66 and the village’s main street.
Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
(Image of the interior of Elkhart Station General Store in Elkhart, Illinois, via Conn’s Hospitality Group website)