The Scoop: September 10

By Matt Lemmon

Photo Megan Johnson

We love The Coffee Ethic, downtown on Park Central Square. From the coffee to the décor, it’s hip and unique. Our only complaint was ever a lack of foodie sustenance. We’re complaining no more.

That’s because Ian Vanhover and Michael Garner are opening Brown Bag Bagel Company inside The Coffee Ethic; it’ll be a separate business, says Coffee Ethic owner Tom Billionis, but you’ll pay at the same register. And it’s not a Panera-like, breakfast-style bagel place. Instead, Brown Bag will offer steamed bagel sandwiches and possibly salads during lunch hours (tentatively 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Billionis says) beginning September 21. “You put on the meat and cheese, and then steam it. The sandwich is like a warm lump of chewy goodness, really nice,” says Billionis. “It’s definitely unique to Springfield.”

Welcome Back, Casper’s
It’s a rite of September: the annual post-Labor Day opening of Casper’s, downtown at the corner of Walnut and Main. There were worries that the 100-years-young greasy spoon wouldn’t re-open this year, but it did: Looks like would-be chili kingpins are going to have to wait at least another year to have a shot at our Best of 417 Award for Best Chili.

Best News We've Heard All Week
There's a huge "Leased" sign on the old Steak & Ale location on Glenstone.

Worst News We've Heard All Week
Riverside Inn in Ozark is closing and will be razed. So much for history and the soul of a town, there's FEMA money to collect!

Cartoons Latest
A quick update on the Cartoons situation. At first the sign in the door said “closed until further notice.” Then an anonymous member of ownership said Cartoons is closed for a remodel. Then a Blues Down Under newsletter says it’s closed because it’s being sold. Clear as mud? Good.

A couple of folks did have ideas on places for grown-up dancing during Cartoons’ hiatus. Donovan Bankhead wrote: “Just casting a vote for The New Key Largo. Friendly staff, and nice enough environment.” The New Key Largo is loated at 1281 E. Republic Rd., roughly across the street from Arris’ Pizza, in a large barn-like building.

This week’s Feedback question: Football season has officially started, college and pro. Where do you watch your favorite team? More importantly, what do you eat while you’re doing it? Let me know at matt@417mag.com.

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