New businesses changing the face of the area

By Doug Schroder

Editor

STATELINE – A couple of new businesses are being added to the area recently. In Winnebago the Athletic Edge Sports Center is being constructed. Owner Mike Provi looks to be finishing up on final details of his new sports facility sometime soon. The new sports center will have a basketball court and a turf covered area to fulfill area team needs when it comes to practicing in the off season.

Mike moved with his wife to Winnebago 10 years ago, and after running a family business Mike decided to sell that and build the sports center.

Once completed, the center will serve many area teams looking for conditioning in the off-season.

In Durand the Big Scoop Cafe was sold and the building has been totally gutted for renovation. Owners Brian and Lisette Steelglove are turning the building into a gastro pub where families can come and enjoy a good meal in a family setting. No gaming machines will be in the restaurant.

Amanda Guzman of Pecatonica will be the manager of the restaurant as she has a culinary degree and has managed a couple of bars and a kitchen in Rockford.

The Steelglove’s have done extensive renovations to the building that was originally a barn, built in 1880. After gutting the insides they went to work on creating a family friendly atmosphere for their new restaurant.

The name of the restaurant will be The Firebarn, a name derived from a restaurant Brian’s mother owned in Batavia in the early 1980’s.

In addition to the new restaurant coming to Durand, a new pet store has also opened recently. Tail Feathers is on the main drag in Durand and features many birds for purchase. See the story and pictures on page three.

Also in Durand, Cimino’s Pizza has recently finished upgrading with an addition to the seating area.

Each of these businesses are a great upgrade to their respective areas. Area patrons will enjoy what these places have to offer.

(Doug Schroder photos) The former Big Scoop Cafe has been sold and is undergoing renovation to become The Firebarn Restaurant in Durand.

A view of the inside as construction continues on the new Athletic Edge Sports Center in Winnebago.