Chicagoland Equipment & Supply (CES), a portfolio company of Cooper Management, LLC, and a leading supplier of equipment, supplies and service to the food industry, has acquired United Fast Food & Beverage Service, a leading supplier of equipment and service to convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. The transaction closed on January 5, and an official announcement was made to UFFB’s employees at the company’s Elk Grove headquarters the following day. The acquisition is a continuation of CES’ efforts to expand its equipment offering and service capabilities. Cook M&A (cookma.com)... Read More

The delicious bounty of food enjoyed on Thanksgiving can lead to a far-less-enjoyable bounty of issues with sewer and plumbing systems in the days after the holiday. Everything from sinks to toilets to garbage disposals can become clogged, leaving people far from grateful. Fortunately, the contractors who employ the skilled professionals of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 25 in Rock Island can provide the service and expertise needed to fix any problems as they arise.   While many people spend the day shopping for the best holiday deals, plumbing professionals deal with the rush... Read More

Looking for a catch of the week that doesn’t involve noodling the flooded Mississippi River? If you’re  jonesing for Japanese you won’t have to fish far for satisfying sushi and sashimi any longer. Osaka restaurants in Moline, Davenport and Muscatine offer fresh dishes from the land of the rising sun roll, and they’re a Godzilla-sized hit. While other local outlets have offered sushi as part of their broader menus, Osaka is unique in its sole dedication to Japanese cuisine, as well as its environment and presentation. Walk inside and you’re immersed in an expansive, warm crimson... Read More

There’s a robust family atmosphere that fills Sal Vitale’s and Sons, with the same richness and flavor of their delicious Italian food. The authentic Sicilian restaurant at 1010 Park Ave has been a family tradition since opening in 1984, said owner Salvatore Vitale, and given how the amiable Salvatore beams with jocularity and pride when speaking about it, it’s easy to see how it’s become so popular. “It’s all about the quality, and the situation is, absolutely nobody has the products and the ingredients we have,” Vitale said, proudly. “Everyone has quality ingredients, but we’ve... Read More

If you’re drifting through a haze of heat exhausted and you see a painted shack near the side of the road, don’t worry, it isn’t a mirage. It really is nirvana. Nirvana in the form of icy cold refreshment. Nirvana in the form of the Flamingos Tropical Cone stand. For more than five years, Flamingos has been serving up icy cold treats – from smoothies to drinks to Mexican ices to flavored fruit concoctions and more – at its 801 Oregon St. location, and at 1903 Park Ave., right outside Muscatine Mall. Gabby Aguilar, 28, who owns both of the shops, is proud and thrilled to see her dreams... Read More

There’s no doubt romance is in the air this time of year. Celebrate your love with this amazing event. Muscatine Symphony Orchestra and Geneva Golf & Country Club have joined forces to bring Muscatine a Delicious Combination Dinner & Concert this Saturday Feb 16. Dinner will take place at Geneva Golf & Country Club (3100 Bidwell Road Muscatine) from 5 – 6:30 p.m. The evening will then continue with a romantic concert, performed by the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra, at Central Middle School (901 Cedar St. Muscatine) at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Complimentary shuttle service... Read More

Do you LOVE chocolate? Join Silver Bell Hollow (13111 311th St W Illinois City) this Sunday Feb 10 from 2 – 4:30 p.m. for the exclusive Chocolate Lovers Fiber Art Event! Enjoy some delectable chocolate treats, an adorable chocolate themed fiber art project, and cuddle time with the alpacas! Your class fee includes all the materials you need to make a box of needle felted chocolates and all of the chocolatey goodness you can eat! Event fee is $45 per person. Registration is required. Limited spots available. This is an adult class. Go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b054baba72ca3f85-silver5... Read More

Join HyVee and The Muscatine Community YMCA for a night of fabulous food, wine, music and socializing! Wine and Dine happens this Saturday Feb 9 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Muscatine YMCA (1823 Logan St. Muscatine). Enjoy a 5-course meal prepared by Chef Brian Scott and a wine paired with each course. All Proceeds benefit the Youth and Teen Programs of the YMCA. Don’t forget to plan for silent auction items, raffles and surprise boxes. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased at the Muscatine Community YMCA OR by phone with Debit/Credit at (563) 263-9996. For more information contact Amy Hessel... Read More

Fill your belly the right way, this Saturday morning! The Muscatine VFW Post 1565 (1415 Grandview Avenue Muscatine) is hosting a Pancakes and Sausage Breakfast this Saturday Feb 2 from 7 – 11 a.m. Come enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy AND bacon!! The cost for kids is only $5, Post and Auxiliary Members are $7 and non-members are $9. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1082159751966194/. Don’t miss this wonderful and delicious way to start your Saturday off right!  Read More

Fill both your belly and you heart this weekend at the Annual Habitat for Humanity Soup & Sandwich Lunch! This annual fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity takes place on Sunday Jan 20 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church (400 Iowa Avenue Muscatine). Enjoy four homemade soups along with sandwiches, relishes and dessert for a donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children under 10 years. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/268467824066419.  Read More