Restoring a Landmark and Investing in a Small-Town Community

When entrepreneur Terry Keigher purchased a property in Loda, Illinois, he saw more than a rebuilding project. He saw an opportunity to help revitalize a community by transforming a site that had been lost to a devastating fire into a new gathering place for local residents.

The property was formerly home to the Owl's Nest restaurant and apartments, which were destroyed in a late-night fire in 2018. Committed to investing in central Illinois communities, Keigher set out to bring new life to the site by developing Dottie's Wine and Gaming, an upscale wine and gaming café designed to give residents a welcoming place to gather and enjoy locally made wines.

As construction progressed, rising reconstruction costs created challenges for the project. Looking for ways to help manage long-term operating expenses, Keigher chose natural gas because it offered a more affordable energy option. The new business relies on natural gas for key operations, including kitchen griddles, ovens and HVAC equipment, helping support efficient day-to-day operations while reducing energy costs.

Connecting the business to natural gas required overcoming several site-specific challenges. Limited space, the location of the gas main and an existing septic field complicated the installation process. Nicor Gas worked closely with Keigher to develop a solution that met the project's needs and enabled service to be installed efficiently.

Keigher praised the support he received throughout the project.

"Nicor Gas is always a first-rate company, and Brian Foster was so easy to work with and extremely professional. It was a great experience. Thank you, Nicor."

Today, Dottie's Wine and Gaming represents more than a new business opening. It reflects one business owner's commitment to preserving the character of small-town Illinois while creating new opportunities for economic growth and community connection. Through collaboration and thoughtful planning, Nicor Gas was proud to support a project that helps bring new energy to downtown Loda.