Peoria-area establishments open, restaurants receive no violations during inspections

Good morning, foodie friends,

The Peoria area has served up a lot of fast food news in recent weeks – from a well-known fried chicken joint closing all Peoria-area locations to a new collectable item debuting with adult meals at McDonald’s.

While there is plenty to digest with each of those stories, let’s stick to local restaurant news for today.

We’ll dish out the latest on two recent openings, and I’ll share the scoop on the latest Peoria County food inspections.

Father-and-son team open second restaurant in East Peoria

In East Peoria, José Reteguin Jr. and his father, José Reteguin Sr., opened El Gallo Bar & Grill in mid-August. The new restaurant – which serves Mexican cuisine – is situated just a few doors down from their other restaurant, Tacos El Gallo.

The new establishment is located in a unit which previously housed IHOP, and Reteguin Jr. said the space needed extensive renovations ahead of opening.

“It was a vision before and now it's here, you know,” Reteguin Jr. said.

Learn more: New East Peoria restaurant will serve up authentic Mexican fare and drinks

New business offers cocktails and craft beers in Downtown Peoria

Co-owners Jessie Yoskin and Cassy Gilbert encountered various slowdowns and setbacks ahead of opening Nightjar in Downtown Peoria. The business partners found ways to pivot and adapt, however, and they opened their cocktail and craft beer concept on Aug. 1.

“The community support and the community feedback has been absolutely incredible,” Yoskin said.

More: Downtown Peoria business opens with cocktails, craft beer

No warning comments during July food inspections

You read that right. The Peoria City/County Health Department issued no warning comments for restaurants, bars/taverns or mobile establishments during routine July food inspections.

Ten establishments received no warning comments.

Learn more: Peoria restaurant inspections for July 2024

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria-area establishments open, restaurants receive no violations during inspections