Now open

Eyemart Express is now open next to Buffalo Wild Wings in Forsyth.

"Eyemart Express is devoted to bringing shoppers value, combined with the convenience of an in-store optical lab," said Dr. Doug Barnes, owner and president. "Our concept is built around providing a great selection of brand-name frames at prices lower than the competition, along with the convenience of one-hour service."

The lab will be used to make glasses on site.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Call 876-1049.

In a related note, Dr. Karen Cycotte, an optometrist practicing in Decatur for about 15 years, has opened an office next to the Eyemart. Call 875-7002 to make an appointment.

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Coffee Connection, the site formerly occupied by Bob's Roast Beef at 2505 N. Main St., is now serving drinks to meet the tastes of coffee enthusiasts. The list of hot and cold drinks includes espresso, lattes, cappuccinos and mochas, along with blended drinks, smoothies, teas, soda and juices.

Baked goods will be available through a partnership with Lana's Cakewalk, said co-owner Julie Stalets, who was laid off from her previous job. That created the opportunity to start the business, she said.

"We wanted to bring something unique to Decatur," Stalets said. "We decided what better time to do it. We've been planning this for a year and a half now."

Coffee Connection opens at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and closes in early evening. It is closed Sundays. Call 330-8065.

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A Decatur man is trying to revive a part of the city's past.

As part of opening Greg's Chicken Shack, 1621 E. Eldorado St., Greg Broadnax hopes to hold motorcycle and car shows just like what was done on the site in the past. The site had been a Steak N Shake and most recently was Mister G's.

The business will serves fried chicken and BBQ among other items. The chicken shack will open at 11 a.m. daily. Call 520-6524.

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Golf USA of Decatur/Forsyth, a one-stop shop with items for golfers of all experience levels, has opened at 133 Barnett Ave. in Forsyth Commons.

The store is owned by PGA Pro Rich Nottelmann and his wife, Kristi.

"It's something I've always wanted to do and just thought I was going to start up my own golf shop," said Nottelmann, who had been out of the golf business since 2002. His previous golf experience, including 10 years with the Decatur Park District.

It has everything from full-service club repair to a hitting bay with swing analyzer, he said.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 877-1717.

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Barbeck Communications Inc. has opened its fifth Decatur area Verizon Wireless premium retail store at 4655 E. Maryland St., Suite 4, near Wal-Mart.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Call them at 864-2228.

On the move

Decatur Electronics Inc. is now in its new corporate headquarters at 535 W. Eldorado St., the former office home of Jim Masey Realtors.

The electronics company, which builds police speed radar units, police car video systems and other high-tech products, used to have its administrative hub in downtown Decatur.

Spokesman Jake Tolbert said the 7,000-square-foot-location was just a better fit all around. "Closer to our production facilities (at 715 Bright St.) and just a more professional environment with room for growth," he added.

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Watts Copy Systems Inc. has moved its Decatur branch that had been downtown. Its new location is 2560 Federal Drive, Suite 707.

New owners

Hickory River Smokehouse has a new set of owners with a mix of new and old faces.

Michael and Sinead Madigan currently own three other Hickory River locations in Central Illinois and are investing in their fourth. Matt and Tricia Wilson will become managing partners of the location at 2330 S. Mount Zion Road in Decatur, their first venture.

In the works

The State Bank of Niantic is busily working to break out of its deposit box-sized bank branch in Decatur and move into a $1.5 million stand-alone facility.

The bank took the first big step with a ground-breaking ceremony at 3950 W. Fountain Lane, just east of the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel off of U.S. 36. When it opens in November, the new Decatur branch will sit on a 1.5 acre lot and the building will cover some 6,700 square feet.

New offering

Porter's on Merchant is adding to the downtown entertainment offering.

Acoustic musicians are invited to try their hand at "Open Mic Night" on Tuesdays from 8 to 11 p.m. Call Jenny at 429-0669 to arrange an appearance.

Porter's owner Gary Allen said the restaurant is always looking for innovative ways to attract and amuse patrons, and acoustic music has proved popular in the past.

"We felt like having this on Tuesday nights might spur something," he added.

Biz Bites highlights businesses that are opening, closing, expanding ¦ you get the picture. If you have information for our Biz Bites column, contact Tony Reid at treid@herald-review.com or 421-7977 or Chris Lusvardi at clusvardi@herald-review.com or 421-7972.