Haddad’s Downtown – a new family-owned restaurant
The owners of this new restaurant, Haddad’s Downtown are Andy Speck and Rita Haddad Speck. This writer has been following their story since it opened, which was in March 2011. You may know them from 1010 W. Main Street. They are open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Phone # 495-4700.
They display old pictures of Peoria as it was back in the early 1900’s. Murals are done by artists such Stormy Monday and Chris Holbrook.
Rita manages the kitchen, and according to Andy, she’s always trying and preparing new entrées. All of the foods are prepared fresh daily from scratch. She is responsible for inventory needs. Rita will be putting out a new menu very soon. The Menu, Catering, the history of Lebanese cooking can be found at www.haddadsdowntown.com.
Andy says that cooking is very important for their family and friends, because it is an “event.” It is a way to bring significant individuals in their lives closer together. He further says that because downtown businesses tend to close at 5:00 p.m., and because of the current business climate, they have been diversifying from the beginning. He has been probing into the catering needs of various businesses.
People have heard of the Haddad’s Downtown by word of mouth, from friends, associates, etc. Marketing continues by having a radio spot in the a.m., through ads in theJournal Star and in local papers, such as the Community Word.
Both Andy and Rita have been arranging wedding rehearsal dinners, baptismal receptions, birthday parties, and reunion gatherings either at their downtown location or off site. Rita, having been in the restaurant business longer, has many contacts for catering events.
They have been approved for the liquor site. They wanted the liquor license for those who just want a relaxing drink, while eating. Their next step in the process is to get the actual license. Once approved, they would be allowed to serve liquor for special events, such as March Madness, or “Wicked.,” the Civic Center musical. They also have done many pushcart events whenever when they hear of an upcoming event. For a review of the restaurant’s quality cuisine, go to http://tellpeoria.com. The writer’s review on the day of the Grand Opening stated that “Visiting Haddad’s Downtown is like visiting an old friend with taste.”
Booksmith now in West Peoria
The Booksmith, a used book store, formerly at 4914 N. Renwood Ave., has recently moved to 620 N Sterling Ave.in West Peoria. Owner Steve Smith, the booksmith, has renamed his store the West Peoria Bookstore to reflect the new location. His store hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
“West Peoria has strong neighborhood people,” explains Smith. He strongly feels that they will likely be attracted to the diversity that The West Peoria Book Store offers. He likes to meet people, supports the neighborhood, and is not only consumed with profits. For instance, if a school wants certain kinds of books, he will give them a good discount. He prices books fairly.
Smith said that because his store is located near the new “Haddad’s Market” (which will soon reopen), the store traffic should increase. The West Peoria Book Store is housed within a one-stop shopping center, and is near a very busy intersection.
Word of mouth is the best reason he gives why people would visit The West Peoria Book Store. According to him, people have come into his store for the first time, only to realize that this is the same store as Booksmith Renwood. Some customers, he said, are attracted to unusual books, besides their main interests.
If a person is looking for a specific book, and they can’t find it, he will usually find it, to that person’s delight and they will often come again. He shops for books of interest at estate sales and at other book dealers out of town.
During a tour, this writer viewed the stores offerings. There was a wide selection of popular fiction authors, including mystery. There was also a good selection of history, including the Civil War, World War II, and local history. Also available were Lincoln selections, women and male biographies, art books, and other non-fiction selections. Smith pointed out that he has 100 author signed books.
He also pointed out old early starter readers for real young children. Smith offers other popular children and youth books, including science fiction. There is also an ethnicity section that contains a variety of titles. A variety of books are offered for gardeners and cooks as well.