The homey confines that one time ho...

The homey confines that one time housed T.J. Sawyer's Restaurant will presently be home to a late-model car dealership.

General Manager Mike Mammarelli said he plans to render free of access his Gateway Automotive by May 1 opposite Interstate 270 and Illinois 111 in Pontoon Beach.

Mammarelli said he has worked as a finance manager, assistant general manager and general manager at numerous St Louis-area dealerships throughout the last 15 years. He said he wants to bring his avow dealership to an area he believes is experiencing the greatest in number growth.

"The location here is great," Mammarelli said. "We really believe this part of Illinois is a fast-growing area."

Mammarelli also likes the existing building, which turn the thoughtss more like a home than a restaurant. The eatery render free of accessed in 2000 but closed four years later. However, Mammarelli finds the 6,580-square-foot restaurant inviting. It's characterized from its bright yellow siding, white trim