Commercial Street restaurateur announces French bistro coming soon to Springfield
Susan SzuchThis week in 417 food news, a restaurateur announces a French restaurant is coming to Springfield and a pizza buffet will soon offer delivery. Also, how to get a free sweet treat to celebrate spring.
French bistro announced for Commercial Street
A French bistro is coming to 300 E. Commercial St., according to restaurateur Joseph Gidman. He posted on Facebook about the upcoming restaurant, called LaRoux Bistro, on March 7.
"The restaurant is a venture of French influence from Paris to New Orleans and eventually to the Ozarks. I'm really excited for the experience LaRoux will provide," Gidman posted. "The space is insanely special."
The restaurant is still a couple of months out from opening, he told the News-Leader. Gidman is co-owner of Cafe Cusco, Chabom Tea + Spice and Van Gogh's Eeterie on Commercial Street.
In the last 40 years, Springfield has hosted only a couple of French restaurants. Amir and Esther Fishman opened La Differance at 2620 S. Glenstone Ave. in 2005. According to the Secretary of State's business filings, the name "La Differance" expired in September 2010. Prior to that, Bobbie and Christian Finance opened Le Mirabelle in 1985, which closed in December 2001, according to News-Leader reporting. Christian Finance had previously been a co-owner of Le Bordeaux in Chicago.
Incredible Pizza will soon deliver dishes
Craving Incredible Pizza but don't want to leave your house? You can soon get pizzas, cinnamon rolls and "familiar favorites" delivered to you, according to a press release. America's Incredible Pizza Company is launching third-party delivery in Springfield "in the coming weeks."
"This is an exciting evolution for America’s Incredible Pizza Company," said Ashley McGuire, executive vice president, in the press release. "We’ve always been focused on creating incredible memories and experiences in our stores, and now we have the opportunity to bring that same joy to our guests at their doorsteps. This is just the beginning of the next chapter for Incredible Pizza as we head into our 25th anniversary."
According to the press release, the company plans to expand delivery to additional markets "following the proof-of-concept phase in Springfield." For more information, visit IncrediblePizza.com.
Rita's Italian Ice to host giveaway for first day of spring
Folks can celebrate the first day of spring with a sweet surprise at Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, 2100 W. Republic Road. On March 20, guests will receive a free 6-ounce Italian ice in the flavor of their choice, including a new Skittles flavor that is "inspired by the taste of a 'handful of Skittles,'" according to the press release.
“For over 30 years, Rita’s First Day of Spring Giveaway has been more than just a tradition — it’s a moment of pure joy and connection that marks the start of a new season with a refreshing cup of Rita’s happiness,” said Linda Chadwick, president & CEO of Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, in the press release.
Customers who use the Rita's Ice app can also enter for a chance to win free Italian ice for a year. Until March 23, app users can enter the code FDOS25 under the "Offers" tab of the app.