Restaurants cater to range of tastes

by Melissa Wilson

SBJ Staff

Springfield can't be accused of not having enough restaurants. Whether diners crave barbecue, seafood or a simple sandwich, a multitude of dining choices abounds in almost every part of town.

Two new barbecue restaurants have opened on West Sunshine and North Glenstone, and several established restaurants have opened additional locations to serve those living or working in north Springfield.

The RibCrib, operated by Mazzio's Pizza, opened in a former Mazzio's location at 426 W. Sunshine. RibCrib offers barbecue and has about 65 employees, according to general manager Patrick Johnson.

Corky's Ribs & BBQ, 631 N. Glenstone, is located in the former Trotter's building at Glenstone and Chestnut Expressway. Corky's, based in Memphis, offers barbecued beef, pork, ribs, chicken and turkey and has about 60 employees.

"We feel we fit in very competitively with the barbecue restaurant community in Springfield," said Rowland Hill, Corky's chief operating officer.

Schlotzsky's Deli opened a second location at 1316 N. Glenstone almost two years ago and is preparing to open a third on East Sunshine near Andy's Frozen Custard, according to owner Albert Shelton. Schlotzsky's offers sandwiches, soups, salads and pizzas from $2.99 to $7.99.

"It's not fast food," Shelton said. "I think we offer a good value for the quality of food you're getting."

The downtown revitalization efforts of the last few years have contributed to a number of upscale eating and drinking establishments opening downtown. Mille's, a cafe located at 313 S. Jefferson, will be the newest addition to the downtown restaurant community, set to open Aug. 16, according to owner David Bauer.

"Mille's will serve what's called 'new world cuisine,' which will consist of numerous specialty salads, steaks, deluxe pizzas ... we'll also serve seafood and have a large appetizer menu," Bauer said.

Bauer said dinner prices will range from $7.95 to $18.95, and appetizers and lunches from $4 to $7. Mille's will employ about 35, Bauer said.

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