Woodhull eatery has new owner; lodging may be added

A report on economic development was reassuring for the Woodhull business community Monday.

Woodhull Village Trustee Connie Vail, economic development chairman, shared a detailed report provided by Michael Levieri, manager of Fountain Oasis Travel Plaza.

“Fountain Oasis completed the acquisition of the Homestead Travel Center and Restaurant in late December,” Levieri said in his written report.

He said the business will employ between 30 and 40 area residents, with the restaurant scheduled to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

He included information on changes that will be made, including the addition of a full-time wedding, family gathering, and reunion planner for the banquet hall area.

There are tentative plans to include development of a privately owned motel or hotel. The business includes 14 acres of land between I-74 and Illinois 17 at exit 32 off I-74.

“Our motto has become that the customer comes first, without question, and we want to make sure everyone knows that,” Levieri said.

“This is all very good news for our town,” Mayor Dave Holmes said.