Kendra Steele, manager at the newly opened Country Store at 104, formerly the 104 Store, shared that they just recently opened in April 2023. The store offers a nice variety of items. “We offer a little of everything,” Kendra said. “We have a sub shop and hand dipped ice cream, and Mellow Cream donuts.”
At the Country Store at 104, you can also enjoy breakfast. “We offer biscuits and gravy, and the gravy is homemade,” Kendra added.
She makes delectable gravy for patrons to enjoy. You can add a fresh cup of Folgers coffee, OJ, milk, and chocolate milk.
Shelves are filled and stocked inside the neatly decorated store that has been completely revamped. They offer dairy, soda, cigarettes, and lottery. “We have a little grocery store that includes package liquor, automotive, and lots of snacks.”
For those looking for a healthy choice, they also have nice nut choices. “We also offer Coke and Pepsi from the fountain for $1.00. This has been very popular.”
The Country Store at 104 is the perfect place for picking up snacks for a movie night or grabbing a sub sandwich for a quick meal. There is seating so you can dine in or take it to go.
Kendra added that eventually there will be gaming as well.
The store has some carryovers in tribute to the former 104 Store that was a Pawnee icon for many years in the way of a neat 104 Store sign, and one saying, “Auto Center”, that Kendra said they recently added. There is a fun motor cross display that ties into the Shed restaurant and bar as well.
The Country Store at 104 and The Shed are owned by a local, Jessica Leach. They are open Sunday – Thursday from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6:00 a.m. until Midnight.
Outside of the Shed, a restaurant/bar is fun art and some motorcycle memorabilia in the way of cool motorcycles greeting visitors as the enter. The Shed Restaurant and Bar’s kitchen is open Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
They offer a fun menu and Kendra said her favorite is Strip Cheese. “It is a specialty; it is grilled cheese with chicken strips rolled in the Shed sauce.”
“The food ranges from sandwiches and specials,” Kendra said, “They also make their own cheese sauce.”
Each night customers can find a special. On Sunday the special is Specialty Burgers, Monday it is half priced appetizers, Tuesday is Taco Night with Sanchos, taco salad, and tacos. The Wednesday special is wings, Thursday is wraps, with Friday fish day featuring Walleye, and Catfish curls. Then Saturday is Horseshoe Day!
There are also alcohol specials as well. Monday is beer day with $2.00 cans and bottles. Tuesday’s special is $2.00 well drinks, and Wednesday is $3.00 Captain Jack or Bacardi. Friday you can celebrate with a $1:00 Pickle Shot, and Saturday there are $4.00 Bombs. Happy Hour is from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday with $2.00 domestic can and bottles. Team up for a drink with a daily special and you are set.
With nice weather arriving, customers may enjoy sitting out in the beer garden on the swing picnic table and seats that Jessica Leach custom made. Kendra said that they are at work on expanding the beer garden.
For those that want to have some fun while at the shed, there is the game room which sports a pool table and darts. They offer gaming at The Shed also. Jessica plans on offering entertainment in the future.
There is even Shed merchandise, they have a variety of T-Shirts available for sale.
Whether stopping to add a few items to the pantry, picking up the fixings for an evening at home, or a picnic, you can find fun items at the Country Store and the new Shed Restaurant and Bar. With a new restaurant to choose from, locals and out-of-towners can enjoy the variety of selections as well!
Located at 210 Carroll, right on 104, for more information, both the County Store at 104, and The Shed have Facebook pages (3) The Country Store on 104 | Pawnee IL | Facebook, (2) The shed | Pawnee IL | Facebook. Call 217-646-8138 for the Country Store, and The Shed.