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Growing up in Grape Creek, she never wanted to stay in Danville or in Vermilion County. Even after she attended the Christian school here and after making many connections in Danville, she still wanted to leave. So, she lived in Indianapolis for twenty years before eventually deciding the best thing to do was move back home. She and her two daughters moved back to the area, and she knew then that Danville was the right place for her. She met her husband, Eric Rhodes, and together they conquered their fears and dreams. Cassie’s entire family still being in the area was a huge benefit to coming back because she knew she would have a strong support system. With three younger siblings she would never be without her family again.

Cassie never thought she would come back to Danville and love it this much. However, Danville is such a beautiful community, and she felt right at home again. With it being centrally located, she can still go visit bigger cities, but she also enjoys the outdoor activities that Vermilion County and the surrounding areas have to offer. This summer she spent so much time at different state parks and lakes, enjoying their family camper. She has also been able to open and grow The Slotted Spoon because the community has been so supportive and uplifting.

Before opening The Slotted Spoon in 2018, Cassie was just making homemade freezer meals to make some extra money, and found she really enjoyed it. Three weeks into that endeavor she began a full-time position working for the city. After a year with the city, she realized what she really wanted to be doing was running a restaurant. In December of 2018, Cassie along with her younger sister and cousin, opened The Slotted Spoon as a take-and-bake only food service. Cassie says, “It seemed that everyone enjoyed coming and getting a good, easy meal they could make at home. It brought everyone back together at the dinner table during the difficult time of the pandemic.” In June of 2021, they were able to purchase their current location on Gilbert Street and in February of 2022 they opened the doors. Later that year in September they finished renovations and opened the café area with dining services. Walking into the Slotted Spoon, you feel welcomed and invited.

As the owner of The Slotted Spoon, Cassie is always busy, but she makes it a point to still spend time with family and loved ones. Because she cares about the community that has helped make her dream of owning a restaurant come true, she donates to schools, churches, and even to local families in need.

Cassie is proud that, “We are bringing families back to the dinner table.” Everything Cassie makes is 100% homemade. At The Slotted Spoon they even slice their own meats and cheeses; nothing is pulled out of the freezer to cook unless you get a take-and-bake meal, but even those are prepared with fresh ingredients. Cassie does not sell anything at the restaurant that she wouldn’t serve at home. The Slotted Spoon is family friendly, and Cassie Rhodes makes everyone that walks through the door feel like family.

If you haven’t been, go experience The Slotted Spoon! If you see Cassie there, let her know how much she is appreciated in the community. Thank you, Cassie Rhodes, for opening your business, your heart, and your kitchen to this community! Welcome home.

By Erin Gregory

Vermilion Advantage is excited to announce the next round of Back to Business Grants for New Businesses – find more information here

Vermilion Advantage and Step Up announce the Resource Round-Up and we need your help! Find out more here!

BIGG Tip of the Week: How a Marshmallow Can Help You Reach Your Goals Researchers gave 4-year olds a marshmallow and said: “I’m running an errand. When I get back – if you haven’t eaten your marshmallow, I’ll give you another one.” Some ate it immediately. Others resisted and got the reward. Years later, follow up revealed the resistors were more successful. Their secret? Set a goal. Treat yourself only when you achieve it for your BIGG success! Get more tips from BIGG Success here

Doug Ireland – Prudential Advisors With the end of the year approaching, it’s a great time to review your year-end strategies from IRA contributions to required minimum distributions to gifting. Contact me at 217-516-7778 or doug.ireland@prudential.com for a complimentary consultation.

Vermilion County has received an approved SBA Disaster Declaration in connection with the storms we experienced from June 29-July 2. Find our more information here and here

Check out the official newsletter of DLO Musical Theatre here

East Central Illinois Community Action Agency VOCA Newsletter – see the November newsletter here