“Vintage Boutique Opens in Downtown Morton”
The Morton Economic Development Council announced the opening of Second Betty, a new boutique specializing in antiques, vintage gifts, refurbished and painted furniture, and decorative paint, in Downtown Morton. “When Mike and Cindy Matthews approached us to help them identify a home for their dream business, we knew Downtown Morton would be the perfect place,” said Jennifer Daly. “Their shop will be a valuable addition to our growing retail and restaurant segment in the downtown district.”
The new store is located near Inspired Arts Academy, on Main Street. Owners Cindy and Mike Matthews were thrilled to find a downtown location in Morton. “I lived in Morton while my kids were growing up and I have always loved the community,” said Cindy Matthews. “It is safe and clean and Morton is also centrally located. We hope to attract people from throughout the region.”
Second Betty is named for Cindy’s mother, who passed away many years ago. “My mom’s name was Betty and I am just like her,” said Matthews. “When I was little, everyone called me second Betty. She taught me to love vintage items. This store is a tribute to her.”
Second Betty is open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/secondbetty. “We are so excited to be opening our business here in Morton,” said Matthews.
“New Mexican Restaurant to Open in Downtown Morton”
The Morton Economic Development Council announced Hacienda Fuentes, a locally owned restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine, will open this summer in Downtown Morton “During the downtown planning process, participants expressed a strong desire for more dining and retail options in our downtown,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC. “Hacienda Fuentes is an ideal addition to our growing restaurant cluster. This will be the fourth new restaurant locating in our downtown area in the past 12 months.”
Hacienda Fuentes is owned by Victor, Gilberto, and Jaime Fuentes, brothers from Pekin who opened their first location in Pekin in June of 2011. “I opened a restaurant in Macomb four years ago and had a great experience bringing real Mexican dishes to Illinois,” said Victor Fuentes. “We decided to open our first Hacienda Fuentes in Pekin last year and we have a lot of regular customers from Morton. They encouraged us to consider a second location in Morton and so we began looking.”
Victor contacted the Morton EDC for some assistance and the search for the perfect location began. “We looked at a variety of locations, but we really liked the former Hardees building near the corner of Birchwood and Main Street,” said Victor. “It is convenient for customers and has plenty of parking. We are completely transforming the building inside and out to make it look and feel like a traditional Mexican eatery.”
The Fuentes brothers hope to open their new Morton location this August. The menu will include a variety of homemade Mexican foods, vegetarian plates, fresh salads, and a full kids menu with kid-friendly options. They will be open Monday – Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. “We are proud to be known for fresh, authentic food and really good service,” said Victor. “We can’t wait to welcome and serve the people of Morton.”
