The new Infusion Bar & Banquet Center in Decatur believes variety is the spice of life.
The business has a food and drink option for everyone, and is ready to host special occasions, wedding receptions or business meetings in its banquet space that can seat more than 500. There is also an outdoor stage area.
The bar and banquet center is housed in the former AIW Hall at 2882 N. Dineen St., the location renovated from ground to ceiling and featuring an outdoor patio with bar. The new owners are Decatur business couple Shannon and David Binder who have recruited David Binder's daughter, Nichole, fresh from running a five-star resort in Costa Rica, to manage the enterprise. Bar manager is Brylin Brown, described by Shannon Binder as a “master mixologist” and Jen Strain is the chef.
Drink options range from craft beers to “infused” cocktail drinks where, for example, vodka, whisky or whatever can be flavored with anything from Skittles to watermelon and strawberry, to name a few. “And we mean actual strawberry and actual Skittles,” Binder said. “Not some flavored syrup. Infusion is a hot new drink trend.”
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Food options go from fried pickle poppers and baked zuchini parmesan crisps to infused offerings like a bourbon-infused barbecue meatloaf slider. Desserts include a chocolate mint martini served with chocolate-dipped strawberries and strawberry-drizzled pound cake.
Binder said people are curious about the new bar and find their curiosity rewarded when they venture in.
“They can't believe the transformation,” she said. “They have nothing but positive things to say.”
Insfusion is open 3 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m to 2 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Go to infusiondecatur.com or call (217) 875-2416.
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The 217 Lounge has got your number for the customer seeking a relaxing, more mature drinking experience.
The new Decatur bar, which had its formal opening in May at 112 N. Merchant St., occupies the former Racks site but has been remodeled to create what general manager Kate Ciambella calls a “warm, modern atmosphere.”
The bar is owned by brothers Chris and Cody Parks and Ciambella said they wanted a cocktail lounge atmosphere that would appeal to a more mature audience. In addition to a full range of drinks, the 217 Lounge stocks a free popcorn bar loaded with 16 flavors and it offers video gaming. Gaming players can wash their popcorn down with free soft drinks.
The bar is open from 5 to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and closed Sunday and Monday. Find it on Facebook and visit 217lounge.com. Or call (217) 330-8578, and that area code explains the name.
“We were trying to come up with names and brainstorming and one of the customers said, 'Hey, why don't you name it the 217 Lounge?'” Ciambella said. “Everybody just turned around and perked up when they heard that and we were like, 'Well, that's the name.'”
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Hope's Attic II thrift store has opened in the former Dollar General store at 2922 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive after moving a couple doors south of Decatur Cares Rescue Mission's longtime store location.
The Rev. Doug Lowery, pastor of Maranatha Assembly of God, said the new space offers three times the room and allows the ministry to retain staff from a second store it closed last month in the 1000 block of North Water Street.
Decatur Cares recently downsized its operation because of a shortfall in financial support and currently operates the Water Street Mission shelter for homeless men at 758 N. Water St.
Lowery said donations may be made at the rear of Hope's Attic II and that “donations and shoppers are needed.”
Cheryl Griffiths will continue as the store manager, assisted by Kristi Andersen, the former manager of the Water Street store.
The hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The phone number remains (217) 872-8842.
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Josh O'Laughlin wanted to create an enjoyable experience for customers while opening a new barber shop in Decatur.
The Man Cave Barber Shop & Shave Parlor at 2926 N. Oakland Ave. Suite B focuses on offering haircuts for men and boys, said O'Laughlin, who returned to Decatur to open the business. The haircuts are finished with a hot lather straight razor shave.
“It's a pampering for them,” O'Laughlin said. “It's about making them happy.”
To add to the experience, O'Laughlin said the business has a pool table customers can play while they wait, along with televisions to watch sports.
“You can't have a man cave without a pool table,” he said.
The other experienced barber currently working at the shop is Travis Benton. More barbers could be added as business increases, O'Laughlin said.
Walk-ins are welcome. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Discounts are offered for seniors, children, active and retired military, and first responders. Find the business on Facebook or call (217) 619-3975.
On Biz, published Fridays in the Herald & Review, highlights business developments. Contact Tony Reid at treid@herald-review.com, Chris Lusvardi at clusvardi@herald-review.com, Theresa Churchill at tchurchill@herald-review.com or call them at (217) 421-6979.
