When it comes to fan favorites at longtime Danville pizza restaurant Jocko’s, co-owner Natalie Diveley said the salad bar is No. 1 in customers’ hearts.
Jocko’s Special pizza — topped with sausage, beef, mushrooms, pepperoni, green peppers and onions — is also popular. Diveley’s personal favorites are loaded potato skins and the Pullman Sub, which she likes to dip in the restaurant’s homemade ranch.
“It just ties it together,” she said.
However, to Diveley, the key to Jocko’s success isn’t the menu — it’s the people who work there.
“I think they’re the best around,” she said. “Customers come in just to see them and, I mean, some come in daily. … It’s amazing. It’s just such a good feeling. And this whole team and the customers have (become) family.”
Now, after decades of being a community staple, Jocko’s is set to be in the national spotlight. The business located at 305 W. Williams St. will be featured by America’s Best Restaurants, a media firm that highlights independent eateries across the country.
“ABR Roadshow” episodes are shared on social media, with the firm touting the show as a way for locally-owned businesses to receive wider exposure.
According to Diveley, filming for the Jocko’s episode will take place on Sept. 2, with the crew coming in the morning.
“I believe they’ll go through lunch rush and kind of stick around for a little while,” she said.
Smith Burger Co. — which has three locations in Champaign County as well as a food truck — is also set to be featured on the roadshow. ABR has announced that filming will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 2 at the eatery’s location at The Yard, 401 N. Broadway Ave. in Urbana.
Jocko’s is family-owned, with Diveley being the third generation. Her grandfather, Lowell “Jocko” Diveley, originally opened the business as a Pizza Inn in the 1970s.
Diveley’s father, Steve, eventually decided to rename the restaurant, which was already called Jocko’s by the locals anyway.
“I just hope people outside of Danville get to see how special it is to us and this community,” Diveley said. “I mean, it’s been in our family for generations and this community has supported us for decades.”
Other area restaurants featured on ABR Roadshow include Project 47 Smokehouse in Mahomet, Buford’s Pub in Sadorus, Korner Beehive in Villa Grove (prior to its September 2024 closure), Yoder’s Kitchen in Arthur and Gilbert Street Cafe in Danville.
According to ABR, factors in which restaurants are chosen include reviews, menu offerings, social media presence and “community involvement.”
Bodega to hold grand opening
Haypenny Market, a new convenience store and lunch counter, will hold a grand opening from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 4.
The business, which has been in a soft-opening phase since late July, said the evening will include a ribbon cutting, live music and activities for kids.
Haypenny Market is located at 115 N. Market St. in downtown Champaign.
CPM opens pre-leasing at new Champaign complex
Apartments at Willow on the Pond — a new complex being developed by Community Property Management at 506 Kenwood Road — opened for pre-leasing on Aug. 21.
The company said that the first move-ins are slated for January 2027, with the project fully complete in August 2027.
Willow on the Pond will feature 228 one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments across eight three-story buildings.
According to the complex’s website, six-, 12- and 18-month leases are available. The rent amounts for available units range from $1,500 to approximately $2,000.
More information is available at willowonthepond.com.
“As construction progressed, it became clear that this community was developing a unique personality of its own,” said CEO Nathan Shoemaker. “Giving the property its own name helps establish a fresh identity while preventing any confusion with our original Victoria Point complex. ‘Willow on the Pond’ captures the identity centered around our new pond and green spaces that will include a willow tree.”
Current work at the site includes finishes on the first building, as well as the installation of kitchen and laundry appliances, CPM officials said. Additionally, drywall is being installed in the fully-framed clubhouse, and crews have begun to dig the swimming pool and pour a concrete walking trail around the pond.
Other amenities will include an indoor golf simulator in the clubhouse, grills, fire pits, complimentary access to the Refinery gym, pickleball and bocce courts, and a dog park.
Carle names new philanthropy VP
Angie Hatfield Marker has been named vice president of the Carle Health Center of Philanthropy. Marker, who currently serves as executive director of development and campaigns at Carle Health, will step into her new role on Oct. 18, the company said.
Marker will succeed Beth Katsinas, who is set to retire Oct. 30 after almost a decade of leading the center for philanthropy. The two women will work together during the transition.
Marker said that she is “humbled” to build on the foundation created by Katsinas and the center’s team.
“Philanthropy is rooted in relationships with our team members, volunteers, donors and community partners, and I’m excited to continue strengthening those relationships together,” she said. “Our opportunity is to connect the generosity of our communities with the strategic priorities of Carle Health in ways that create meaningful, lasting impact for our patients, our people and the communities we serve.”
Marker has over 25 years of experience in strategy and leadership, and her previous work for Carle has helped the company’s philanthropy team secure over $30 million in campaign support, company officials said.
The announcement of her promotion comes as Carle pursues a five-year, $60 million fundraising push.
“Beth has helped shape a culture of generosity that has strengthened care across Carle Health and created opportunities for countless patients and families,” said Carle Health President and CEO Dr. Jim Leonard.
“We are grateful for her leadership and the foundation she has built. Angie brings a collaborative approach, a deep understanding of our organization and a proven ability to bring people together around opportunities to make a difference. I am confident she will continue to strengthen philanthropy across Carle Health and lead this work into its next chapter.”
