<p>Holland Construction recently completed the third phase of construction on Eckert Inc.'s renovation and expansion of its complex in Belleville.&nbsp; The Lawrence Group was the architectural firm for the project.</p>
<p>The newly expanded restaurant is open for business, the final ingredient of the project that included a 2,500-square-foot kitchen renovation completed in January, a new 22,000-square-foot country store finished in July, topped off with the 5,500-square-foot restaurant renovation and addition completed in November, now open for business.  The project doubled the restaurant's dining capacity. Additional parking and a new outdoor plaza space, designed for seasonal gatherings welcome visitors to the Eckert's "experience."<br /><br />Chris Eckert, president of Eckert's, Inc., said, "The new restaurant provides more seating, new restrooms, and a comfortable waiting room."The new facilities will enable Eckert's to provide families with great food, fun and memories for years to come, he added, helping to increase year-round programs and specialty groceries with a number of quality, locally grown products.The grand opening of the new Belleville store was held in July, with added space, a large bakery and a 1,200-square-foot cooking and workshop classroom. All facilities were designed and built to insure the utmost efficiency of equipment and employees in each department.</p>
<p>One hundred years ago, a produce stand marked the beginning of what has become an Eckert family tradition, now operated by the family's sixth and seventh generations.  That one roadside table has now grown to three locations.  Eckert's Country Store and Farms is the largest family-owned and operated "pick-your-own" orchard in the United States. The Eckert family owns and operates farming, entertainment and retail entities in Belleville, Grafton and Millstadt in Southwestern Illinois.</p>
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