The Firefly Grill in Effingham earned another accolade on Friday. The gourmet farm-to-table eatery was recognized as an Illinois Maker, one of an elite group of artisan crafters throughout the state. The program, Illinois Made, was launched in 2016 by the Illinois Department of Tourism and according to Director, Cory Jobe, its goal is bringing people, and their checkbooks, into the state.
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Illinois Tourism Director Cory Jobe talks with Firefly owners Kristie and Niall Campbell.
There are currently sixty makers in the program and Jobe says that they are looking for more. Potential makers are nominated by local Convention and Tourism Bureaus and need to provide a unique experience to consumers, alone with having a point of purchase of some kind. Participating businesses are featured on a special Illinois Made website.
The Firefly Grill, which was established in 2006 by Kristie and Niall Campbell, focuses on homegrown, and locally sourced, ingredients.
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The name comes from fond memories that Kristie, an Effingham native, had of catching Fireflies in her grandma’s backyard. She said that “it’s great” to be recognized by Illinois Made.
The Firefly Grill is continuing to expand with new editions to their garden, as well as a possible addition to the kitchen that would allow them offer catering.
Cory Jobe officially recognizes the Firefly Grill as an “Illinois Maker”
(Pictured L-R) Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker, Firefly Co-owner Kristie Campbell, Illinois Tourism Director Cory Jobe, Firefly Co-owner and Chef Niall Campbell, Effingham Tourism Director Jodi Thoele.
