Every crafted item carries a little bit of the place and people that make it. The Illinois Makers program celebrates the small businesses whose uniquely Illinoisan style and creativity set our locally made goods apart. The following businesses and makers in the Greater Peoria Area have been recognized by the Illinois Office of Tourism for the Illinois Made program.
Be sure to check out these award-winning local Makers to experience the true charm of the Peoria Area.
CxT Roasting Co. {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2023 // CxT Roasting Co. focuses on small batch roasted coffee specializing in single origin and specialty coffee blends. All done in house with a meticulousness you can taste. In any of their locations the java is excellent—the flat whites, cold brews, cappuccinos, and pour-overs are mini masterpieces. But the draw is the house-roasted beans, handmade syrups, and uniquely addictive flavor profiles.
CxT Roasting Co. is also behind the delicious Discover Peoria Blend coffee.
America’s Popcorn Shop {Morton} // Illinois Made class of 2019 // America’s Popcorn Shop is a family-owned business using premium ingredients sourced entirely from the United States. The shop offers over 70 flavors of hand-crafted, gourmet popcorn. Be sure to try the Vermont Maple, the Salt and Vinegar, and the Morton Mix (a Pumpkin Capital of the World staple, which mixes Caramel and Pumpkin Popcorn).
Ardor Breads + Provisions {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2022 // Ardor Breads + Provisions is an artisan bakery and cafe in Peoria’s buzzing Riverfront District. Focusing on fermentation, vegetation, and old-fashioned cooking techniques, Ardor is a popular artisan bakery for leavened bread, hand-laminated pastries, melt-in-your-mouth sandwiches, lattes and so much more. The shop’s aesthetic atmosphere, positive vibes, and amazing food make this spot a popular Peoria destination.
Bear’s Bites {East Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2023 // Bear’s Bites are made with premium ingredients in smaller batches to preserve their nutritional integrity. These gourmet pet foods are made with the very best ingredients, with more thoughtful formulation, and processing techniques. A Bear’s Bite treat is not your typical mass-produced dog or cat treat loaded with fillers and artificial additives, but rather made from high-quality, real food ingredients, packed with nutrients, and free from any artificial additives including chemicals, preservatives, and colors. Your animals with LOVE these treats, seasonings, and pet foods!
BLACK BAND Distillery {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2022 // Located in Peoria’s Historic Warehouse District (formally known as “Distillery Row”), you will find BLACK BAND, a specialized distillery helping to continue Peoria’s legacy as the “Whiskey City.” BLACK BAND is certified Organic, utilizing farmers throughout Illinois. Stop in for an amazing meal, beverage, and distillery tour!
Four30 Scones {Morton} // Illinois Made class of 2023 // Four30 Scones transports visitors to a quaint pâtisserie along the cobblestoned streets of Europe. What normally is considered dry and unexciting, these scones are anything but. By using fresh ingredients, unique flavor twists, and quality locally-sourced ingredients, Four30 Scones has garnered a delicious reputation among pastry lovers all over Illinois.
George’s Shoeshine + Hatters {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2023 // George’s Shoeshine and Hatters is a shop lost to time. Serving his community for more than 76 years, this long-forgotten art remains a staple of high-society in downtown Peoria. A service you cannot find anywhere else in town, and provided by a master of his craft, George’s Shoeshine is a treasured business that echoes the style and elegance of a forgotten era. George single-handedly ensures the dashing sophistication of distinguished guests who appreciate the stylish benefits of a well polished shoe.
JK Williams Distilling {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2022 // Experience the smooth, warm flavor of JK Williams whiskey and bourbon made in small batches in pot stills. Just as you were converted to craft beers after sipping your first microbrew, you’re sure to be won over by the quality of craft whiskey. Group-friendly tours and tastings available.
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard {Mackinaw} // Illinois Made class of 2021 // The 86-acre property is a working vineyard and winery situated on a glacial moraine with a 30 mile view from the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard tasting room and decks. The vineyard features daily wine tasting, a gift shop with wine themed gifts and local foodie favorites, concerts, festivals, murder mystery dinners, trivia game nights, and chocolate + wine pairings.
Obed + Isaacs Microbrewery {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2019 // This historic, family-friendly is set inside a restored 1889 church in Downtown Peoria. Enjoy handmade craft beers and ciders paired with upscale pub fare with a twist. All craft beverages are produced right here in Peoria.
Riley’s Vegan Sweets + Eats {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2021 // Riley’s Vegan Sweets focuses on creating customizable 100% vegan sweets from scratch. Not only does this trendsetting bakery make vegan treats but they accommodate multiple dietary needs like gluten free, nut- and dairy-free restrictions as well. Known for their vegan cinnamon rolls and donuts, you can now find Riley’s Vegan Sweets at our local HyVee grocery stores.
Tanners Orchard {Speer} // Illinois Made class of 2020 // Since 1947, four generations of the Tanner family have welcomed guests to an amazing country farm experience. Located in Speer on the border of Peoria and Stark County, the orchard sports more than 11,000 trees with 17 varieties of apples. The orchard grows more than 20 acres of pumpkins along with various other fruits and vegetables. Spend the day wandering the corn maze, visiting the farm animals, picking apples, shopping the market filled with unique gifts, fresh produce, specialty foods, and baked goodies. Don’t leave the farm without a box of the famous apple cider donuts!
Trefzger’s Bakery {Peoria Heights} // Illinois Made class of 2021 // Established in 1861, Trefzger’s Bakery is a full-line bakery, providing the Peoria area with baked goods from breakfast pastries and cookies to cream pies to wedding and special party cakes. Fresh eggs, real butter, pure cane sugar, and the finest flours combine to give you the best bakery products available in Central Illinois.
Triple Dipple’s {Chillicothe} // Illinois Made class of 2020 // Triple Dipple’s, home of the Sweet Tater Cheesecake, is committed to creating triply delicious treats and delicacies designed to delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. Every cheesecake is made entirely from scratch and from the finest ingredients. Harreld Webster is on a mission to bring mouthwatering cheesecake to the Greater Peoria Area. Harreld’s whole family takes part in the business’s ever growing success, which includes selling Triple Dipple’s at our local HyVee grocery stores.
Voilà Macarons {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2023 // Macarons in Paris are one of the city’s most prized delicacies because of their chic design and delectable taste—but now, you can experience these authentic treats in Central Illinois thanks to Voilà Macarons. Transport yourself to a small Parisian café with every bite of these authentic sophisticated French cookies. Expect perfectly crafted, genuine French macarons in unique flavors like dulce de leche, peach bellini, spiced plum, coffee + baileys, raspberry mimosa and many many more.
Yeni’s Palarte Mexican Ice Cream {Peoria Heights} // Illinois Made class of 2022 // Yeni Rodriguez moved to Peoria in 2004 and was immediately touched by how the community embraced her family and heritage. In fact, Peoria was so friendly and encouraging, she was inspired to open Yeni’s Palarte, a homemade ice cream shop combining the unique flavors of her Mexican heritage with locally sourced ingredients. Ever since opening, she has had a steady stream of customers waiting to sample the unique flavor-of-the-day. Stop in—you won’t be disappointed!
Yordy Turkey Farm {Morton} // Illinois Made class of 2023 // Yordy Turkey Farm has been winning customers over for more than 80 years. This quality family farm is a beacon in the region and a staple experience during the holidays. The satisfaction of knowing your holiday entree is locally raised and all-natural is the reason for the farm’s success. Yordy Turkey Farm prides themselves in providing quality products. The 10,000 turkeys on this family-owned farm are hatched, raised, and cared for each season—guaranteeing fresh, natural farm-raised birds.
thirty-thirty Coffee Co. {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2019 // Permanently Closed // thirty-thirty Coffee Co. is an independent, locally-owned coffee shop with a singular focus on providing perfectly roasted and brewed coffee. The team works tirelessly to provide a unique and inclusive atmosphere for customers.
The Nut House {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2021 // Permanently Closed // After 100 years in downtown Peoria, The Nut House has closed its doors. However, the sister store, Jane’s Sweet Addictions, will remain open with The Nut House’s signature nut mixes and candies.
Whiskey City Architectural Salvage {Peoria} // Illinois Made class of 2019 // Permanently Closed // Whisky City Salvage rescues architectural features and elements from buildings and saves them from the landfill. Consider this resale shop specializes in building materials and hardware from historic and iconic eras. Closed their doors in 2023.
