Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Retirement is somewhere in the future for Springfield business couple Court and Karen Conn. Vinegar Hill Mall, which their Conn’s Hospitality Group owns, is up for auction.

Springfield Business Journal publisher Michelle Ownbey told the WTAX Morning Newswatch it’s al about succession planning for the Conns.

“Springfield-based commercial broker Dan Sperry is handling that auction, which will open April 13 and close April 16. Starting bid is $150,000.

Also up for auction: an historic home the Conns had been using for administrative purposes at 625 S. Second St.

Separately, a foreclosure auction is selling off the building which formerly housed Loukinen’s on Fourth, a now-closed restaurant near the Governor’s Mansion. That is not a Conn enterprise.

That is not the only food news Ownbey brings.

Keila Stapleton has opened a retail store for her Pasta al Dente, in the former Sam’s Pizza at 731 North Grand Ave. E.

“Her handmade pastas are a regular part of the local farmers’ market scene,” said Ownbey. “She is a consistent vendor at the Old Capitol Farmers’ Market downtown.”

Ownbey reports the brick-and-mortar location is also selling ready-to-heat meals.