A ribbon cutting marks the beginning of a new business, but the grand opening of The Hidden Kitchen in downtown Carterville represents something even larger: the creation of a gathering place designed to bring people together and strengthen community.  The restaurant is located in the 62 Social House building operated by Doug Deaton. 

On opening day, family, friends, local leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate not just the launch of a new restaurant, but the realization of a vision years in the making for building owner Jennifer Spence and the entrepreneurs who have brought the space to life. 

A Carterville native, Jennifer left Southern Illinois and built her life and career in Nashville, Tennessee. Yet the pull of home never faded. When she returned to Carterville, she came back with more than memories—she returned with a commitment to invest in the community that helped shape her. 

That commitment is now visible in a beautifully restored and reimagined building that houses two thriving concepts under one roof. 

The first is Velvet Moon Coffee and Events, owned and operated by Chandler Deaton, whose vision for a welcoming, community-centered coffee shop has quickly made it a Carterville favorite. Whether it's grabbing a morning coffee, conducting a business meeting, spending a productive day working remotely, or catching up with friends, Velvet Moon has become a vibrant gathering place and an important part of the community's daily rhythm.  Its expanded space also provides an opportunity for larger gatherings including baby showers, wedding showers, business meetings, and more. 

Building on that success is The Hidden Kitchen, owned and operated by Southern Illinois natives Tyler and Sara Newbold, whose passion for hospitality, quality food, and memorable dining experiences is now bringing a new energy to downtown Carterville. The full-service restaurant and bar offer both indoor and outdoor dining spaces where guests can gather to enjoy great food, meaningful conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere. With opportunities for special events and live music, The Hidden Kitchen is designed to be more than a restaurant—it's a destination where community happens. 

The opening is a testament to Jennifer's belief in her hometown and her willingness to put that belief into action. Behind every brick, beam, and carefully crafted detail is a story of investment, perseverance, and determination. It required not only financial resources, but countless hours of planning, hard work, sweat equity, and undoubtedly a few tears along the way. 

Her dedication to preserving and revitalizing historic spaces has earned significant recognition. Through her work, Jennifer has received two Landmarks Illinois awards, including recognition for the building that now houses Velvet Moon and The Hidden Kitchen. In 2024, she was also honored with the Carterville Chamber of Commerce's Hometown Renovation & Innovation Award, recognizing her investment in preserving the community's character while creating new opportunities for growth. 

But for Jennifer, the project was always about something greater than restoring a building or opening businesses. 

It was about creating a place where people want to gather. A place where neighbors can become friends, entrepreneurs can meet over coffee, families can celebrate milestones, and visitors can experience the hospitality that makes Southern Illinois special. 

Today, Velvet Moon and The Hidden Kitchen together embody that vision. One offers the perfect place to start the day with a cup of coffee and conversation. The other invites guests to linger over a meal, share stories, enjoy live entertainment, and create lasting memories. Together, they form a destination that serves not only food and beverages, but also connection and community. 

The grand opening serves as a reminder that communities grow when people choose to invest in the places they love. They grow when hometown success stories return home. They grow when entrepreneurs take risks, chase their dreams, and create experiences that bring people together. 

As the ribbon was cut and guests stepped inside to celebrate The Hidden Kitchen, it was clear this was about much more than a new restaurant opening. It was a celebration of local investment, entrepreneurial spirit, historic preservation, and belief in Carterville's future. 

While today's celebration shines a spotlight on Carterville, this story is being repeated in communities across Southern Illinois. From revitalized downtown storefronts and historic building renovations to new restaurants, boutiques, breweries, and gathering spaces, local entrepreneurs are investing in the future of their hometowns. These efforts are creating more than businesses—they are strengthening the fabric of our communities.  

What makes these successes especially meaningful is the spirit of collaboration behind them. Business owners are supporting one another, residents are choosing to shop local, and communities are rallying around their downtown districts to ensure these investments thrive. Hidden Kitchen and Velvet Moon are outstanding examples of this movement, demonstrating how local vision, community support, and entrepreneurial determination are helping write a new chapter for Southern Illinois—one filled with growth, opportunity, and optimism. 

The Hidden Kitchen is now open for business, but more importantly, it is open for community. 

As owners of The Hidden Kitchen shared, “This space was built for you, our neighbors, our friends, and our loved ones. Everyone is welcome at our table, and we can't wait to share this next chapter with you.”