The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes for The Quill
When Eric Wixom spotted the "For Sale" sign in front of the Feed Store last spring he saw opportunity in rural Henderson County.
"We opened for business May 25," Wixom said, "and business has been good every day since.
Wixom opens the restaurant Monday through Saturday at 6 a.m. Good food is available until 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 2 p.m. on Monday and Saturday.
"We're closed Sundays," Wixom stressed.
The Feed Store is located along U.S. 34, between the junction of Ill. 116, 94 and U.S. 34 and the Gladstone turnoff along U.S. 34 (Ill. 164).
The Feed Store diners can select from breakfast and dinner menu selections or from a wide selection of sandwiches, sides, salads and appetizers.
"We serve breakfast anytime," Wixom said. "If someone orders an omelet at 4 in the afternoon we'll fix that, or if they want a steak at 6 in the morning we'll do that, too."
Portions are nominally priced and generous.
"I've had Wal-Mart drivers in here who told me they couldn't finish all of their omelet," Wixom said.
Pies are baked fresh on a regular basis, too, with at least two selection available each day.
Wixom offers daily specials, too-tacos on Tuesday, ribs (beginning today!) on Wednesday, fried chicken on Thursday and fried catfish on Friday. Specials are available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and come with a salad and potato.
Carry-out orders are available at the Feed Store, too, by calling (309) 627-9155.
I tried the Feed Store's cheeseburger with a side of french fries. Even on a hot day when temperatures neared 100 degrees this grill selection made for a great choice. The beef was fresh and tasty and served hot right off the grill. The fries were, too. What a difference from fast food that's been setting around for who knows how long.
Wixom and his staff-Patty Daniels and Melissa Edwards, both of Biggsville-care about their patrons' dining experience at the Feed Store and it shows. The three spend much time visiting with guests, making sure their food is prepared the way they like it and that they're having a pleasant dining experience.
Wixom's several years in the real estate management and restaurant business are the foundation for his attentiveness to customer service.
His past experience in kitchen and restaurant management alone includes time at Burlington's Cafe Express, Abe's Family Restaurant and Big Muddy's, to name a few.
Wixom, his wife Wendy, and their two children, Scott and Rachelle, reside in Burlington, IA, but hope to one day make their home in Henderson County.
Wixom said what he likes best about being located in Henderson County is the friendliness of county residents.
"They're nice people, comfortable people to visit with," Wixom said. "They're friendlier than the people you find in a big city setting."
Feed Store server Patty Daniels, Biggsville, serves Stella and LaHoyt "Scotty" Scott , Stronghurst, their Friday dinner specials, a two-catfish dinner, at the restaurant last week. Stella said the food was "awfully good."