Norb Andy’s Tabarin, located in the historic Hickox Building at 518 E. Capitol Avenue, is scheduled to reopen soon. Owner David Ridenour said he is finalizing a lease with an established operator who has a restaurant in Peoria and plans to open a second location in Springfield.

The building has undergone major renovations in the past few years and Ridenour reopened Norb Andy’s on his own in June 2016 after going through five operators in five years. However, the restaurant closed again in May 2017, citing a lack of both nearby parking and foot traffic.

However, Ridenour now says, “We are very excited about the development of the YWCA block, the pedestrian walkway and the Methodist church project.”

He also said that the long range plans for the Hickox Building include developing the main floor for parties, meetings and receptions and eventually the upper floor as a three bedroom bed and breakfast. The Hickox Building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed in 1837 and has long been rumored to be haunted, which Ridenour said he intends to emphasize for the bed and breakfast concept.