Judy’s Kitchen LLC wants to transform part of its downtown restaurant at 51 N. Prairie St. into an open, public-facing kitchen for pancake production and live cooking demonstrations — a change the owner says is essential to align with the business’s breakfast focus and boost customer engagement.
The project would renovate about 94 square feet of existing seating area into a commercial-grade kitchen visible to customers. The current basement kitchen is set up for Chinese cuisine and limits high-volume breakfast service or public interaction.
Director of Community Development Steve Gugliotta tells WGIL the city’s consideration of the TIF incentive request supports downtown investment and business growth.
“The proposed improvement converts an underutilized additional seating area on the main level into a new, public-facing kitchen designed specifically for pancake production and open-kitchen use,” Gugliotta said.
“The kitchen will be visible to customers, allowing for customer interaction, live cooking demonstrations, support product development, packaging, and promotional content tied to partnerships with local and regional businesses.”
Gugliotta noted the renovation will enhance the customer experience and contribute to the continued vitality of downtown Galesburg.
Judy Wang, owner of Judy’s Kitchen, tells WGIL: “Currently the only kitchen is in the basement, and it has been converted into a Chinese-style kitchen. The ground floor will have an open-plan kitchen for breakfast, and we hope to complete this project as soon as possible.”
The total project cost is estimated at $118,542.65, with a TIF incentive not to exceed $17,781.40. The project is projected to create 5-7 full-time positions and 6-8 part-time positions, supporting local employment in downtown Galesburg.
According to the agreement, the project will be substantially completed by April 30, 2026, with the applicant intending to finish it ahead of schedule as efficiently as possible to minimize disruption to restaurant operations.
Judy’s will continue operating its original location, Judy’s Family Cafe at 1195 N Broad St., known as the viral pancake house.
The Galesburg City Council meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in City Hall.