MORE: Springfield's biggest employer to merge with East Coast health system
The restaurant will have been open for 14 years this June, Berner said, and it’s been several years since staff members have had a substantial break. Customers also have been asking for more seating at the bar area. So Berner said the closure was a good opportunity to extend the length of the bar and double the available seating in that area of the restaurant.
RELATED: Champaign County officials push forward plan to build new hotel
“It was cozy so this will give them a little more room to move around,” Berner said.
Berner said he’s owned Cecil and Lime, at 227 E. Cecil St., for about 14 years. The restaurant has made some other improvements in the past, including adding a deck, but that was done at least six or seven years ago.
MORE BUSINESS NEWS: Construction to start on $223M Springfield plant, hiring 400
The restaurant, which has a menu focused on steak and seafood, hosted a soft re-opening earlier this month and has been open occasionally in February before resuming normal hours. The restaurant’s staff includes about 10 to 12 crew members, he said.
DETAILS: Big spikes in construction last year in Springfield, Champaign County
It’s also possible the restaurant will continue to make other small changes as the staff settles back in, he said. That could include providing more local music for entertainment throughout the week.
About the Author