1209 Broadway Avenue East, Mattoon, IL 61938

Now available for sale is a high-profile, freestanding quick-service restaurant building located at 1209 Broadway Avenue East (IL Route 16) in Mattoon, Illinois. Formerly operated by Wendy’s, this recently reconstructed building (2021) sits on a prominent 1.35-acre corner parcel with direct visibility and signage along one of the region’s most heavily traveled east–west corridors. The property includes existing drive-thru infrastructure, fully-equipped and remodeled interior, ample parking, and exceptional frontage ideal for food service, fast casual, or conversion to a new retail concept. The parcel can be subdivided and developed into two tenant lots. Another large section of ground on the north side of this property is scheduled for development bringing more retail growth to this node as well.

Area Overview

Strategically located directly across from the transformative Emerald Acres Sports Connection, this site stands at the epicenter of Mattoon’s most dynamic growth zone. The $100 million, 150-acre sports tourism development is expected to attract over 580,000 annual visitors through its state-of-the-art indoor fieldhouse, 32 outdoor sports fields, and large-scale event spaces. The subject property’s position at the northern gateway to Emerald Acres—alongside the planned retail and hospitality district known as The Shops at Emerald Acres—ensures strong demand from both local residents and regional event traffic. The broader area includes long-established anchors such as Cross County Mall, Lake Land College, and major employers like Rural King, Mars Petcare, and Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, reinforcing the site’s appeal as a destination for dining, shopping, and logistics services within a 30-mile trade radius and a multi-state tourism draw.