Ribeyes, lamb chops, lobster tacos: New restaurant to add 'culinary destination' to Peoria

Cow-inspired spots once speckled the walls at The Spotted Cow, and themed photos, signs and figurines were abundant.

The cow-themed décor has since been removed from the longtime Peoria establishment, as a new restaurant named Reservations works to open in the space at 718 W. Glen Ave.

Executive chef Jeremy Washum described Reservations as a place for “upscale, casual, fine dining restaurant” when speaking to the Peoria Liquor Commission on June 3. He told the commission he has built up a following through his catering business and is now looking to offer a “culinary destination” for the community.

Keke Odom is the manager of DIRE Hospitality Group LLC, which will operate the restaurant. She attended the meeting with Washum and told commissioners she currently travels to Johnny’s in East Peoria to enjoy a nice, sit-down meal for items such as shrimp and salmon.

“We felt like it was a good opportunity to get in and just kind of bring more culture to that area,” Odom said. “The area is very kind of dead and dreary. We did have the bistro on the corner – that is now where you can go and gamble. So, there’s really nowhere there to just go, sit down and have a good meal.”

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Washum said Reservations will focus on dinner, though he said the restaurant may expand to offer brunch in the future. He said the expected hours of operation will be from noon until 11 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

A mock-up menu shared with commissioners included entrees such as:

• Grilled ribeye

• Lamb chops

• Lobster tacos

• Reservations’ shrimp and grits

• Reservations’ burger

The menu also listed various starters, salads, sides, pastas and desserts.

Washum told commissioners the goal is to open Reservations in late July. Odom said guests will find an outdoor dining area with around six to eight tables. Inside, she said they have removed the cow décor and painted the walls.

“It was actually in good condition to be (closed) as long as it was,” Odom said. “Very dirty, very dusty – it still had all the ice cream cones and everything in there – but everything seems to be functioning properly.”

The Spotted Cow opened a store on the West Bluff in 1987 and also previously had a location in Peoria Heights. The business closed in January 2023.

Commissioners voted 3-0 to recommend approval for new business at the site. The liquor license request will go before the Peoria City Council on June 25.

Clarification: The Spotted Cow opened its first store on the West Bluff in 1987. A previous version of this story listed a different location.

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: New restaurant to open in The Spotted Cow building in Peoria