PALESTINE, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — There was a buzz around Palestine, Illinois Thursday afternoon as a beloved local business made its return to the community.
After months of being closed due to improvements and additions, J.D. Mullen Company made its return to Palestine. However, this closure only grew the interest that the area has for this company.
“I think the public, especially Mullen’s customers, are really intrigued by our product and we have a very local customer base, and they want to know what is going on,” said J.D. Mullen Company President, Penny Shaw. “It is a very unique story and people want to come see it.”
These additions included a museum section that includes some of the machinery that used to make the dressings. There are also many viewpoints where people can see how the dressings are made and bottled.
Crawford County Development Association’s Executive Director Resa Shaner said that local businesses like these are the heart of small communities in Crawford County.
“A revitalization, more of a revitalization that is happening in Crawford County as we grow and support our small businesses,” she said. “It just confirms that our community comes together and holds up our businesses to make them better and stronger.”
Shaw said that the continued growth of this community was one of the main reasons for these improvements.
“We are really excited to see Palestine continue to have some growth to it,” added Shaw.
This also re-opened the retail section where residents can come in and buy all of these dressings.
