Peoria restaurant is named one of the best in the country by USA TODAY

PEORIA (25News Now) - Ardor Breads and Provisions was named one of the best restaurants in the country by USA TODAY.

The bakery and fine dining restaurant owner Cody Scogin said it’s nice to be rewarded for their hard work, but that’s never been his goal. He said the team strives to promote change within the culinary industry in Central Illinois by creating quality, local cuisine.

”That’s what the word Ardor means, it’s enthusiasm and passion,” Scogin. “We carry that in every corner of this building and this business.”

Ardor opened just four years ago, and today, it sees around 700 customers per day. Starting off as a farmers’ market bakery, it evolved into a brick-and-mortar breakfast shop, and then expanded in 2023 as a fine dining restaurant. The restaurant served breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

Scogin believes people love the quality, local ingredients, and because it simply tastes good.

“Our sourdough is leavened with grains that are milled an hour-and-a-half away. Our food is truly cooked to order, there’s no holding cabinets,” Scogin said. “We don’t cut corners.”

Customers said Ardor offers an incredible dining experience. They said they also enjoy the diverse, seasonal menu that changes often.

Regular David Schlacter thinks the national recognition is well deserved.

“I was surprised because they’re so new, but the quality of the food is good, so I would concur with that endorsement,” Schlacter said.

Scogin said the support from Peoria is better than he could have ever imagined, and he added that the community is what really matters to him.

“We’re invested in the community, we’re invested in people that come through these doors,” Scogin said. “Words are great, but I want to focus on a successful brand, a brand that lasts 20 years plus.”

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