Long Nine Junction is closing on Feb. 20, but owners Corey and Emily Faucon already have several new business ventures in the works.

The couple opened the restaurant at 5 Old State Capitol Plaza in Springfield nearly four years ago, and despite the restrictions brought on by COVID-19, Emily said, “We’ve been very successful with the curbside business.”

However, she said the pandemic also caused the couple to “rethink what we truly want for ourselves, our son and our business.” In July, the Faucons purchased a former bed and breakfast in Petersburg that had been on the market for several years.

“We live in the upstairs of the home, and the downstairs will have three dining rooms that will allow for an intimate dinner experience for groups of 18-20 people,” Emily said. The couple originally planned to operate The Branson House Supper Club in conjunction with their existing restaurant in Springfield, but Emily said once they moved to Petersburg and started meeting people they were soon approached with another opportunity.

The Faucons have now partnered with several other local investors who have plans to renovate the historic Broadgauge building on the square in downtown Petersburg. The 14,000-square-foot building most recently housed an antique store. The upper story will become event space with a restaurant and bar on the lower level, along with The Talisman, a coffee shop and bakery. Corey will serve as chef for both the restaurant and bakery while Emily will manage the day-to-day operations of the businesses.

“There’s a team of us who have come together, we are restoring the building back to historical measures,” said Emily.

While Emily said the couple struggled with the decision to close Long Nine Junction, it made more sense to have their various business operations in Petersburg, where the family now lives.

“We wanted to be able to walk our son to school in the morning and be home for him afterwards. We feel like this is an opportunity to really help build up Petersburg as a community.”