Macon Reporter

In December, Decatur's The Wagon restaurant will celebrate its 40th anniversary with plenty of uncertainty as business is down by half.

Nevertheless, owner Dave Jordan is hopeful.

“I miss the people more than anything,” said Jordan, who has had to adapt to takeout options like other restaurants across Illinois and the rest of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Lord, I’ve never experienced anything like this. We’re down at least 50 percent. You get your inventory goofed up. You don’t know demand. There’s so many unknowns,” said Jordan. “I don’t anticipate this going away very soon. I’m hoping we can last – if the volume we’re doing right now can be maintained, we can survive. If it dips, then we’re not going to survive. I’m rolling the dice, hoping it stays up where it’s at.”

His restaurant, which serves what some might call "homestyle" comfort food, has had quite a bit of support from the community.  

“The people of Decatur have been awesome. They’ve really jumped in and tried to help local businesses. They’ve done a marvelous job,” said Jordan. “And right now, our team is doing really well given the conditions. They’re struggling just like I am trying to keep things together. They’re drawing pay but it’s not what they’re accustomed to.”

The Wagon offers appetizers, like mozzarella sticks, pretzel bites, breaded mushrooms and fried pickles; sandwiches, like the Wagon Shoe (Texas toast, French Fries, choice of meat smothered with cheddar cheese sauce and bacon), a ½ lb black Angus burger, and a 6 ounce steak sandwich; and dinner entrees like smothered chicken breasts, a butterfly pork chop, or filet mignon. These are available for carry out during the hours listed on their website. 

As far as the economy and the government’s actions go, Jordan has questions about Gov. Pritzker’s proposed progressive tax changes.

“I think politicians believe we have a hidden stash of income nobody knows about. I’m sure there are some lucky guys out there with that, but they’re the exception, not the rule,” said Jordan. “The things [the state] has done recently tax-wise, lord have mercy. What’s left to tax? You put this progressive income tax on the ballot – you don’t see how that’s going to make things better. The old saying, you can’t tax your way out of poverty … or into prosperity. It’s a cliché but it’s true.”