The town of Antioch was founded over 150 years ago. It is an old, yet small, cozy town. Antioch today came a very long way and now has all sorts of new stores and restaurants, but what was here before they all arrived?

Antioch used to be a town with many small, family owned businesses. There was a small store called Ben Franklin, located where Hannah’s most recently inhabited. Ben Franklin had a variety of candies and a quaint snack bar where people could sit down and have a quick bite to eat.

Antioch Community High School ILC Clerk and Antioch native Kathleen Stewart said, “I loved going [to Ben Franklin] to get bubble gum.”

The Jewel Osco was originally located where Mexican Paradise is today. It was there for a long time until it was burned down by a fire. Jewel then ended up moving to its current location, but before it moved, there was a hotdog place called Don’s drive-in located in that area. It was a successful restaurant until Jewel took over.

Stewart said, “That [Don’s drive-in] was always a hopping place, until the new Jewel was built in that area.”

None of these businesses are still here today due to all of the big new franchises and stores that are currently in Antioch.

“All of these new franchises have put many small family businesses out of business throughout Antioch,” said Stewart.

PRESENT

Antioch was a small town in the past is now bigger and better.

The town now has a number of fast food chains and new stores. Antioch is home to many fast food options such as McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway, Jimmy John’s and more. There are also major corporate stores including Walmart, Jewel, Menards, CVS and Walgreens. These places bring added finances and positives to the town, allowing residents many different places to get food and also to do their grocery shopping without ever leaving town. However, each business takes away from the Antioch motto: “close to home, close to perfect,” as they each represent a step away from the traditional mom-and-pop shops Antioch was always known for.

Some places in Antioch were recently updated or are in the progress of being updated. The town seems to be growing more and more as new renovations are made to places. The Antioch Aqua Center was a huge project that was finished in time for summer 2013, and the pool is looking better than ever with a new and improved facility. The McDonald’s was also recently updated, and both the Dairy Queen and Antioch Theatre are currently under construction. The McDonald’s exterior was remodeled and the Dairy Queen and Antioch Theatre are both having major improvements and renovations made.

“They are expanding [Dairy Queen] a bit and then they are also going to be putting in public bathrooms,” said junior Amanda England.

The Antioch Theatre is under new ownership and is adding a digital system, new screens, more chairs, a new outdoor facade and signage and a new fire system. The Antioch Theatre was going to be forced to close because of all the new movies being changed to digital and not having money to support the rapid evolution, but the town was able to raise $83,501, according to Kickstarter, to save it through a Kickstarter campaign. The Antioch Theatre is a historic piece of the town and will continue to stand as it will receive the improvements it needs to continue to entertain the people of Antioch.

“When I was younger I used to go there a lot, so I think it’s really cool that they were able to save it,” said senior Melissa Nettgan. “It’ll be good for the town and give younger kids an opportunity to enjoy the theatre.”

FUTURE

What is in store for the future of Antioch?

There is a rumor going around that Antioch will be getting a Starbucks. In the October issue of the Tom Tom, that question was unable to be answered. Whether this is true or not, a Starbucks would be nice for the town. Teachers and students at ACHS seem to be pretty fond of the idea of having a Starbucks in town.

“I would like to see a Starbucks in Antioch because it’s a popular place and I know a lot of people who would appreciate it,” said senior Taylor Schiltz.

Teachers agree.

“I would love to have a Starbucks close by school as I already go there at least once a day. Also, I think we would see a rise in student performance due to the caffeine,” said math teacher Arnold Glapajone.

Starbucks isn’t the only thing students and staff are wanting to see come to the area. A quick sit-down venue is desired.

Stewart said, “I would love to see a Panera Bread come to the area.”

Whether it’s a Starbucks or Panera Bread, the residents of Antioch are looking for something new and tasty to come to town.