Salt + Petal, 326 W State St, Jacksonville, IL (2025)

04/02/2025

We want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who reached out yesterday after we shared about our recent setback. Your support means the world — truly.

Salt + Petal lives in our hearts, and we’re still trucking along, giving everything we’ve got to bring this dream to life. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re not giving up.

We’ve officially published our Investor Proposal, which outlines what we’re looking for in a partner to help us build something truly special. If you or someone you know might be interested, here’s the link to check it out:
https://linktr.ee/SaltandPetal

Thank you again for believing in us. We’re not done yet — not even close.

04/01/2025

Another bump in the road—but we’re not stopping yet.

We got another denial today. And while it’s not easy to hear, we get it. The economy is uncertain, and big undertakings can feel risky right now. But Salt + Petal is more than a project to us—it’s a vision we believe in deeply.

We’re taking on something big: restoring a historic building, creating commercial space, building a kitchen, and crafting something truly special. It’s not simple, and it’s not fast—but we’re committed. We’re moving forward, step by step, to bring this to life.

Small business is in our hearts, and we believe in the community this space will foster. We’re here for the long haul, and we’ll keep pushing to make Salt + Petal a thriving, sustainable part of the future.

If you’re interested in being part of this journey as an investor, or have any questions, DM us or email us at [email protected]

Thank you for believing in us. 🌷🍽️

— Nathan & Ross

03/18/2025

A Plate Full of History & Heart 🌿

Salt + Petal is more than just a business—it’s a dream we’ve been building piece by piece, collecting memories and meaning along the way. This plate from Nathan’s Grandma Connie is just one of the special touches that will fill our space with warmth, nostalgia, and a story worth sharing.

For the past few years, we’ve gathered unique pieces, poured our hearts into this project, and worked tirelessly to bring something special to Jacksonville. We are so ready to open our doors and share it all with you!

If you want to learn more about our journey, DM us—we’d love to chat. Until then, we’ll keep working hard to bring Salt + Petal to life!

02/23/2025

“Where good food, fresh flowers, and warm welcomes will come together—because community blooms best when everyone has a seat at the table.”

Ross here,

Growing up, Sundays were sacred—not just for church but for what came after. Every week, without fail, my family and church friends would go out to lunch. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about sitting together, catching up, and sharing moments that made us feel connected. It was a time for fellowship, laughter, and belonging.

That tradition stuck with me, and now, at Salt + Petal, I want to bring that same feeling to our Sunday brunch. A place where everyone is welcome, where good food and warm company create something special. Whether you’re continuing a tradition of your own or starting a new one, we’d love for you to pull up a chair and be part of our Sunday story.

We’re saving a seat for you.

02/19/2025

🌿 Salt + Petal Update! ☕

We know it’s been a minute since our last update, but trust us—we’ve been busy behind the scenes! Ross has been knee-deep in Valentine’s Day flowers 💐 (because love waits for no one), and Nathan is always making magic happen in the kitchen. 🔥

Over the past month, we’ve had several important meetings, making that final push to secure the funding we need. With every conversation and new connection, our excitement for Salt + Petal only grows. This vision is becoming more real every day, and we know you’re just as ready as we are!

Stay tuned as we keep moving forward—we appreciate your support more than you know! 💕

02/02/2025

"I started working in kitchens when I was 14; a dishwasher at the Irish Toad in Jacksonville, Illinois. By 15, I was helping my father on the line at this restaurant. By 16, I was doing it myself and also running the pizza line. I've been raised on the line. And I love it. I've loved every second of it... We complain about the hardships of the service and how hard it was and how long it was and how exhausting it was...but...WE LOVE IT. We eat it up. There is no better feeling than after a 5-hour service and the mental accomplishment of ‘YES WE DID THAT!’"

These words from Nathan in 2021 still hold true today. He’s built kitchens, teams, and menus that people line up for—proof that hard work, passion, and a little kitchen madness can lead to something incredible.

Now, Nathan is ready to bring that same passion, energy, and drive back to Jacksonville, Illinois. Salt + Petal will be the place to be—where incredible food, fresh flowers, and an unforgettable experience come together.

Thank you for your support as we work our hardest to get this project off the ground. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in!

01/29/2025

✨ WOW! We are overwhelmed with gratitude! ✨

Thanks to YOUR support, Salt + Petal’s Facebook views have skyrocketed by 134.6K views in just 29 days! 🌸🥞 From interactions to follows, every click and share brings us one step closer to making this dream a reality.

We’re still working hard to make the final connections to get Salt + Petal officially off the ground. Your support, shares, and help in networking are what keep us moving forward. If you believe in the vision of a space to gather, create, and enjoy—please keep sharing!

Let’s grow this dream together. 🌿

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. ❤️

01/26/2025

Weekends at Salt + Petal are going to be the ✨destination✨:

brunch with mouthwatering dishes, beautiful fresh flowers, shopping, and live music to set the mood. The possibilities truly are endless, and we can’t wait to bring this dream to life!

Get ready to make every weekend unforgettable and travel to Jacksonville IL! 🥂🍳💐

01/22/2025

We hope to bring something truly special to Jacksonville, IL—a space where great food, fresh flowers, and unique gifts create an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you can look forward to:

🌷 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡-𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲
Savor a menu full of scratch-made dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. From comforting breakfasts to flavorful lunches, every bite would be made fresh to order, ensuring the perfect meal for any occasion.

🌷 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
Celebrate life’s milestones or brighten someone’s day with beautiful, custom floral arrangements. Our flower shop would offer fresh blooms for every occasion—big or small, joyful or heartfelt.

🌷 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬 & 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬
Discover a curated selection of unique gifts and artisan goods.. Whether it’s for a loved one or a treat for yourself, we will have the perfect find waiting for you.

🌷 𝐀 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦
Salt + Petal will be located in a beautifully preserved 150-year-old building, blending modern style with historic charm. From private events to community gatherings, it will be the perfect setting to make memories.

🌷 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞—𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Salt + Petal isn’t just a restaurant or shop—it’s an experience. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with a little piece of beauty, whether it’s a bouquet, a gift, or a new memory.

💗 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭!
Thank you for continuing to share our posts and helping spread the word! Your support means the world to us. With your help, we’re making connections and hoping to be bringing this dream to life. We can’t wait to welcome you to Salt + Petal soon!

01/20/2025

Why We Chose Jacksonville IL, & an Old Funeral Home for Salt + Petal

When deciding where to bring Salt + Petal to life, Jacksonville quickly became the obvious choice. Over the years, as we’ve lived in areas around this city, we’ve heard countless stories about how downtown Jacksonville is growing and evolving into something truly special. Ross participated in the Central Park Market Jacksonville, IL. a few times, and the support from the community was unforgettable. The energy, kindness, and enthusiasm for local businesses left a lasting impression.

As we’ve shared this vision with locals, the response has been incredible. People have told us about the growth and how much our concept—a combination of a trendy breakfast and lunch spot, flower/gift shop, and a welcoming gathering space—is needed in the area.

The old funeral home we chose for Salt + Petal is more than just a building to us. Its history and charm align perfectly with our mission: to create a space that respects the past while offering something fresh and exciting for the future. We want it to be a destination where people come together for breakfast, flowers, events, and memories.

We’re so thankful for the feedback and support since launching this page—it fuels our passion and keeps us moving forward. If you or someone you know is excited about this journey and wants to join us, please share this post or get in touch. Let’s build something amazing together!

— Ross & Nathan
Salt + Petal

01/17/2025

🌱 Salt + Petal: Our Journey So Far

In late 2022, we began exploring the idea of Salt + Petal, a unique flower shop and eatery in Jacksonville. But life had other plans—Ross was diagnosed with cancer, and everything came to a halt. To be transparent, Ross is still navigating his health, but with cancer comes a shift in perspective, and we’ve learned to seize opportunities and chase our dreams with intention.

Fast forward to late 2023, we purchased the 150-year-old former funeral home on State Street. This building’s character and charm immediately felt like the perfect foundation for Salt + Petal. We knew it wouldn’t be easy—preserving its history while transforming it into something new is no small task. But we believe in doing it right so this space can serve our community for years.

This past year has been about planning, persistence, and passion. We've worked with the Small Business Association, secured a funding plan, and collected bids for renovations. The reality is that preserving history while creating a welcoming space for flowers and food comes with a steep cost.

We’ve seen small businesses close and know how hard the current landscape is on local shops and restaurants; we currently work and operate small businesses. Supporting small businesses has truly become a community effort to ensure these spaces stay in our towns. That’s why we’re being cautious, working hard to secure the resources we need, and making sure Salt + Petal is in the best position possible to serve our community for years and years to come.

With close to 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry for Nathan and 10 years as a florist for Ross, this isn’t just a business; it’s what we’re meant to do. It’s our passion, and we can’t see ourselves doing anything else.

We’re incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement we’ve received so far, and we’re reaching out for help to bring this dream to life. Whether it’s through sharing our story, cheering us on, or helping us make connections, your support means everything.

Thank you for believing in Salt + Petal—we can’t wait to welcome you into our space when the time comes. 💛

01/17/2025

Meet Ross Blakeman

Ross Blakeman, along with Nathan, is one of the driving forces behind the creation of Salt + Petal, bringing his passion for floral artistry, entrepreneurship, and community connection to every corner of this unique space. As a small business owner and floral designer, Ross blends creativity, heart, and dedication to craft an experience that’s as beautiful as it is meaningful.

Born and raised in Beardstown, Illinois, Ross has always had a deep appreciation for nature and the transformative power of flowers. His love for floral design was sparked at a young age, inspired by his grandmother, a retired florist. This passion, combined with a Business degree from MacMurray College, now MacMurray Foundation and Alumni Association, laid the groundwork for his career.

At Salt + Petal, Ross wants to bring the same passion and dedication that has made his flower shop in Beardstown, Rosebud & Co., on a larger scale. Partnering with his executive chef partner, Nathan, Ross is excited to create a space that blends his love for flowers with Nathan’s culinary expertise. Whether it’s curating fresh, beautiful arrangements for life’s big and small moments or ensuring Salt + Petal reflects the warmth and creativity of the community, Ross’s goal is to make every guest feel inspired and appreciated.

Ross believes Salt + Petal will not just be a place to eat or shop—it’s a destination for connection, celebration, and creativity. He’s proud to be part of this exciting chapter in Jacksonville, where his floral artistry meets Nathan’s culinary creations to bring something truly special to the area.

***Check out this beautiful wedding and more of Ross' work at Rosebud & Co. Flower and Plant Shop

01/15/2025

A Blooming Dream is Taking Root! 🌿✨

𝟏𝐊 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟒 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬! 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔!

We’re thrilled to share a glimpse of what’s to come with Salt + Petal: Florist & Eatery! This is more than just a restaurant and flower shop—it’s a vision for a vibrant community space where fresh flavors and beautiful blooms come together in harmony.

🌿 What to Expect:

Delicious, made-from-scratch meals crafted with love.
Stunning floral arrangements for every occasion.
A welcoming space to sip, savor, and celebrate life’s special moments.
As we embark on this journey, we’re inviting YOU—our community—to grow with us. Your excitement, support, and belief in our dream mean everything.

📣 Here’s How You Can Help:
1️⃣ Share this post to spread the word.
2️⃣ Follow us for updates on our progress.
3️⃣ Interested in investing in this one-of-a-kind venture? Let’s connect!

Together, let’s create something extraordinary—a place where memories bloom, connections thrive, and local dreams take flight. 💐🍳

Comment if you’re ready to see Salt + Petal blossom in Jacksonville!

01/14/2025

Meet Nathan Peak - Owner and Executive Chef

Nathan Peak is the heart and soul of the culinary vision at Salt + Petal, bringing passion, expertise, and a deep connection to the community to the table. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Illinois, Nathan’s culinary journey began with a love for food and hospitality nurtured by his hometown roots.

After graduating high school and going out of state for college, Nathan returned to the area. He pursued his passion for the culinary arts by working in various restaurants, honing his skills in fast-paced kitchens. His dedication, creativity, and commitment to quality helped him rise through the ranks. Over the years, Nathan has held key positions in several esteemed establishments like Three Twig's Biscuits and Brunch, and also including his most recent success as the Executive Chef at Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling, both in Springfield Illinois. There, he transformed his kitchens into local favorites, earning a reputation for bold flavors, seasonal menus, and an elevated dining experience.

Nathan believes deeply in the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. This belief, combined with his love for his hometown, made the opportunity to be part of Salt + Petal a dream come true. He is passionate about creating a space where guests can enjoy high-quality, made-from-scratch meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

At Salt + Petal, Nathan’s goal is to blend modern culinary techniques with approachable, comforting dishes, providing an experience that reflects both his professional expertise and personal values. He sees Salt + Petal as more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination where food, flowers, and community come together. Nathan is proud to contribute to this vision alongside his partner Ross, and he’s excited for a chance to share his culinary creations with the Jacksonville community and beyond.

For Nathan, Salt + Petal represents not just a business but a homecoming, a chance to give back to the community that shaped him and to create something lasting for future generations.

*All photos are actual photos of Nathan’s yummy food! 😋

01/13/2025

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐔𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 + 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞!

Salt + Petal isn’t just a new business—it’s a heartfelt mission to honor Jacksonville’s history while creating a vibrant, welcoming space for our community. We’re two passionate small business owners working to restore 𝟑𝟐𝟔 𝐖. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭, 𝐚 𝟏𝟓𝟎-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐨𝐥𝐝 building on historic State Street in downtown Jacksonville IL. This incredible space has so much character and history, and we’re committed to preserving as much of it as possible while bringing it to life in a way that serves our community and customers for generations to come.

When we first started this project, things seemed simpler. But as we dove deeper into a building with so much history, we realized just how important it is to do this the right way—and how costly it can be to restore and preserve its original charm. From structural upgrades to modernizing the space while keeping its historic essence intact, every step has required extra care, planning, and investment.

Over the past year, we’ve worked tirelessly to secure SBA funding to make this dream a reality. Now, we need your help to take the final steps toward creating a space Jacksonville can be proud of. Salt + Petal will be a destination where history meets innovation: a place to enjoy fresh, made-from-scratch meals, stunning floral arrangements, and a warm atmosphere that blends old-world charm with modern comfort.

✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

--- We’re committed to restoring this building thoughtfully, preserving its history, and ensuring it becomes a cornerstone of downtown Jacksonville. Your support helps us:

--- Save and revive a historic piece of our city.
Bring new life and energy to the downtown district.
Offer a one-of-a-kind experience to our customers and community.

✨ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩:

--- Donate: Every contribution helps us preserve history and create something truly special.

--- Become an Investor: Join us in making Salt + Petal a reality! Investors will play a key role in this transformative project and in shaping Jacksonville’s future.

--- Spread the Word: Share our mission with your friends, family, and neighbors who want to see our community thrive.

--- Follow Us: Stay connected to our progress by following us on social media (.Petal).

This isn’t just about opening a business—it’s about doing it right. It’s about preserving history, supporting our community, and creating a space where people can come together to connect, celebrate, and enjoy all that Jacksonville has to offer.

🌸🍴Interested in donating or investing? Let’s connect! Reach out to us today to learn how you can be part of Salt + Petal’s journey. Together, we can bring this historic building back to life and make it a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s future.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐭 + 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥!

Salt + Petal

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