to main page: tiltonprogress.com

ANOTHER lunch update at Better Days! 14 May 2019

      two photos, two statements, one comment.


Rumor has it that they have plans for THIS THING!


Today's special, "the Mexican Plate", it was as good as it looks.
(sometimes it is hard work doing these updates!)

2 April 2019 ... LUNCH update at BETTER DAYS!       The Desk took Real Not Perfect's owner and primary artist out to lunch to evaluate the offerings from the BRAND NEW KITCHEN at Better Days. (A profile on "Real not Perfect" is in the works!)
      As it happened, Real Not Perfect had made an apron with suitable graphic so we took it over and presented it to the Executive Chef, or is she the Head Cook?

      Then there was a quick tour of the rest of the facility, some of which the Desk was far more familiar with from its days as a line cook than others.

      AND THEN THE FOOD ARRIVED!

      The one in front is a double jalapeno burger. And it tasted as good as it looks. And was reasonably priced for what it was and that it was Made To Order by the Senior Foodservice Director.
      The one in back is the grilled chicken with bacon and ranch. Equally good. Similar price.
      In the basket is a collection of fried Things, some were beyond identification, but tasted really good anyway. Two adults had an excellent lunch for $20. That's hard to beat in a sit down restaurant.

      Right now, check Facebook for their kitchen hours, but they're serving lunch from 10:30 until.... ... until.... well, check FB.

      They also have daily specials for food and drink. There is also pool tables, slots, darts, the Deck, talk of a party in the fall, and more. So stop by and check them out.

November 2018Better Days update

The New Deck is COMING ALONG!

... and, of course, another beer, served by the other owner, L. Tyler Langston Jr.

First the Good News: The Big Party on 21 July 2018 was bigger and better than ever with Four live Bands, as listed on their FB page (link below)

The Five Dollar entrance fee gets you in, plus all the entertainment you can stand, and a pork dinner with sides!

Gates open at noon, food available when it gets done, and the music starts at four.

-also-

Their Slot Machines have been installed, and are now working!
The Desk stopped by on the day they were supposed to go live, and, well, judging from the expressions on the gentlemen from the gaming company, things weren't going as well as they should have. But they assured everybody in the house that before they left, the machines would be up and running.

And now the bad news.

The guys that pour the beer HAVE quite literally "broken ground" for the new kitchen and deck, but, that's about as far as it has gotten for right now as all their time and attention is being spent getting ready for the upcoming rockus bash.

More news to come, and, of course, we will have to stop by the party and check it out!

TiltonProgress.com profile and feature of: "the new" Better Days Seven Questions with Mr. Ernie Trinkle II, owner, and today, bartender!

The Desk always appreciates a beer delivered by the owner with a smile!

As Well As: A short profile on how to: "Play the cards you're dealt and do the best you can!" - Mr Trinkle.

date of interview, 9 March 2018

      Up until last month, Tilton had a rum distillery. First known as "rumshine" and then, later, "Better Days" they made small batches of flavored, perhaps even 'designer' rums. For four years, they turned out their rums, which were fairly popular with those that like their booze with unusual flavors like chocolate and apple pie already in the bottle.
      However, their distributor had other priorities and their offerings were never highlighted to the various outlets, or to as broad a market as they perhaps should have been. And their efforts to produce their rum basically just paid the bills generated to make it. Because of Illinois politics and politicians, they couldn't open a "brew pub" type of business because they weren't 'brewing', they were making hard liquor, so that outlet wasn't available. Mr. Trinkle and his partner, Mr. Langstone, had to do something. They were working their day jobs as contractors, then spending at least some of their nights running the distillery, and not having anything to show for it at the end of the day.
      But they didn't want to just throw in the towel and call it quits. They had the building, they have plenty of land. They already had a lot of friends in the area who knew them for a quality product and a good time. So...
      They changed gears, and made new plans, and, as is the way with these guys, they don't just make plans, they start building... ... and buying equipment. Such as this six burner institutional stove:

      You don't buy major hardware like that if you're given to just 'making plans' and never following through on them.
      So when Mr. Trinkle says they are planning on building a thirty foot deck on the north side of their building for outside seating, you can expect to see some lumber being delivered soon. They're also working on getting a gaming license and hope to have that installed by the end of May. And they are installing a kitchen for menu service, as demonstrated by the cooker, in addition to the appetizers they have now, with an agreement with Backdoor Pizza from Danville, and other offerings. Oh, and he is looking into installing some classic pinball games as well.
      That would be, REAL "Pin Ball" with shinny metal balls that bounce off flippers and score points. Remember those? He's looking into getting a couple of them.
      It is STILL the Better Days that had the outdoor party every July! This year's bash is slated for 21 July, to kick off about 1500 (3PM), possibly with some games and prizes before the bandS hit the stage about 1900. They are planning to roast a pig, and offer sandwiches, a soft drink, and a bag of chips for the five dollar event ticket. Details To Come, along with the names of the bands as we get closer. sounds like something the Desk will have to cover for TiltonProgress.com

      And now: our profile.

  1. How long have you been in business / and in this location?
    -    They've been here and in business for four years. But the bar just opened last month after they pulled the plug on the distillery operation.

  2. How many employees?
    -    Four. And some others, all family members, who help out. They are looking to hire some bar staff as the operation gets going and business picks up.

  3. Although it may be obvious, what is your business?
    -    Bar now, with snacks and appetizers like Backdoor Pizza cooked to order. Restaurant service with a BBQ menu is coming later in the Summer.

  4. What do you want people to know about this place?
    -    It's a family run place, small and friendly, looking for a niche.

  5. What is the main advantage you see for being located here?
    -    "Tilton is great for business. And this is a great spot." He's looking to be up and running at full speed when the new Rt 1 intersection with the traffic light is completed.

  6. Any plans to expand?
    -    YES! See above.

  7. Anything else you'd like to be on the website about your business.
    -    "We just want everybody to be happy here." -Mr. Trinkle

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Better Days Cocktails and Bar
8 South Hodge St., Tilton, IL 61833

phone number: 217-446-6960

Hours:
Sunday - Thursday 2 PM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday, Noon to 11 PM.

Their Website is still being updated, we'll update this when they update that.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/BetterDaysDistilleryandCocktails/

NOTICE:
All material on the site is owned by themediadesk.com unless otherwise stated.
All Material on this website, including audio files, are copyrighted by the Desk as of the date of posting unless otherwise indicated.
See Intellectual Property Statement on TheMediaDesk.com

The URL of this website is: http://tiltonprogress.com