Neoga buildings being renovated for use as steakhouse, cafe, bowling alley

These vacant buildings are being renovated and repurposed by owner Mel Workman, who founded the Quality Network Solutions Inc. school technological services company in Sullivan and serves as pastor of First Christian Church in Neoga.

Workman gave an update on these economic development projects and led a tour of the buildings Sunday afternoon as part of an event organized by the Neoga History Room community group.

"Pastor Workman is giving rebirth to these buildings and I am so excited for Neoga," said History Room President Linda Short. "You go to some of these little, itty-bitty towns and you go through them and there is nothing but empty buildings, nothing going on."

The property owner's plans include opening the Thunder Lanes bowling alley and family entertainment center in the former Carruthers/IGA grocery store building at 183 W. Sixth St.

Plans also call for opening Nehemiah's Steakhouse and Kirby's Southside Cafe in the old Kern Manufacturing site at the southwest corner of Sixth Street and Chestnut Avenue and the Short's Plaza center in the former Short Furniture Store building on Chestnut.

"I take great enjoyment in rebuilding things and remodeling things," Workman said during his presentation in the Neoga Municipal Building, adding he also enjoys helping create job opportunities for others.

Workman said his renovation efforts, which included restoring buildings "from the ground up" in Sullivan, were long a "hobby" for him while he focused on the Quality Network Solutions business that he founded in 1997.

"This last year, I sold my business, so now that I've got the time and opportunity and the funds, I'm using that money I've gained to remodel and start new businesses here in town," Workman said.

The city of Neoga also has supported exterior repairs to the downtown buildings through tax increment financing district funding, Workman said. These repairs have included new roofs for the Kern and Short buildings, plus masonry tuckpointing and new windows.

Workman said the floor in the Kern building's north storefront had rotted away and there was a tree growing through it. He said his crews stripped the first level down to the bricks and dirt floor before building back new, while preserving the original tin ceiling.

Nehemiah's will be located in the north storefront. Workman said his son, Elijan, will serve as the manager for this restaurant, which will offer a baby grand piano on stage for weekend entertainment and a banquet area for groups of 25-30 people.

"One of the things that I desire with this space is that it's an experience, that when people go to Nehemiah's they have experienced a lot of enjoyment. There is a sense of celebration with every meal," Workman said.

Entrepreneur Kirby Davis will operate his Southside Cafe in the south storefront in the Kern building. Workman said the cafe will have seating for approximately 40 inside, plus a patio outside, and will have a drive-up window.

An addition has been built on the Carruthers/IGA site to accommodate eight bowling lanes. Workman said US Bowling will set up the lanes and string-operated pin retrieval system in early December. Thunder Lanes also will offer children's games and concessions.

Workman said the Short's Plaza business center will offer an ice cream shop and have spaces available for other prospective vendors and commercial uses. He added that space will be set aside for a Neoga History Room display.

"This is a great town with great people," Workman said, adding he hopes to attract more visitors to this community on Interstate 57 between Mattoon and Effingham. "I feel like we are in an attractive spot. I feel that we have a lot to offer."