Work is underway for the opening of a new donut shop and cat lounge in Champaign, Illinois. Parlor Doughnuts, a craft doughnut and coffee shop franchise, is set to open its first location in the state at 1757 W. Kirby Ave. The shop is expected to open this fall and will offer a variety of unique bakery items, including layered doughnuts, vegan/gluten-friendly and keto-friendly products, artisanal breakfasts, and specialty coffee. The franchise is owned by Pat Snack, Sean and Stacy Kennedy, and Don Wiese. Parlor Doughnuts currently has one shop in Evansville, Indiana, and plans to open more locations in Illinois.
Meanwhile, a combination cat lounge and board game café called the Scratching Post is also in development in Champaign. Located at 114 E. University Ave., the café aims to open in the fall, pending construction time, permits, and inspections. Once open, guests will have the opportunity to reserve time slots to visit the cat lounge and interact with over 30 adoptable cats. The café will also feature a board game library for gaming enthusiasts. The Scratching Post plans to donate 20% of its profits from food, drinks, and merchandise sales to non-profit rescues. The business has already surpassed its fundraising goal through a Kickstarter campaign.
In other news, the Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City, Illinois, has been selected as one of the top 20 drive-ins in the country for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Community members can vote once per day until May 13 to help the drive-in secure a spot in the top 10. The winners will be announced on May 22. The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre, a 70-year-old establishment, is described as a central Illinois fixture.
Lastly, University of Illinois track and field team member Olivia Campbell has started her own baking business called Campbell Cake Studio. Campbell, who is majoring in psychology and minoring in business, began baking as a hobby and received positive feedback from teammates, coaches, and special events. She decided to turn her passion into a business and recently launched a new website for Campbell Cake Studio. Campbell’s business operates as a certified cottage food operator, accommodating various allergies and dietary restrictions.