Cassidy Waigand is a Food & Dining Reporter at the Journal Star. With a focus on the food industry, Cassidy explores themes such as restaurant innovation, food safety, and consumer health, while also delving into topics like chain restaurants and food waste. Her work has been featured in notable publications including MSN, Yahoo News, and the Cincinnati Enquirer.
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Peoria, United States (Local)
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Cassidy's focus is local to Peoria, Illinois, with a strong emphasis on the food and beverage industry, including restaurant openings, closures, and food inspections. She also covers house & home topics related to local businesses.
Given her coverage of private sector announcements and promotional deals regarding restaurants and new business openings in the Peoria area, she may be receptive to pitches from PR professionals representing local establishments seeking coverage for their events or promotions.
As Cassidy focuses heavily on reporting about local businesses in Peoria such as restaurants and shops opening/closing or undergoing inspection reports, individuals with insider knowledge of these developments would likely catch her interest for potential features.
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By: Cassidy Waigand
Peoria Journal Star The Peoria area has seen a plethora of restaurant, bar and café openings so far this year.
Peoria Journal Star PEKIN – The motorcyclist who died following a vehicle collision early Wednesday has been identified as 50-year-old Dennis Kenser, Jr. of rural Manito.
Peoria Journal Star PEORIA – Downtown bar Nightjar is now open Sundays.
More than 20 food and drink businesses have opened in the area so far this year, while multiple restaurants have also closed.
Peoria Journal Star MORTON – A new restaurant has officially opened its doors.
By: Cassidy Waigand
Three years after moving from California, Maureen Fitzgerald has fully revived her alteration, sewing and resale shop.
By: Cassidy Waigand
Peoria Journal Star Pop-Up Chicken Shop owner Aaron Francis is reportedly stepping away from the brand he founded in central Illinois.
By: Zach Roth, Cassidy Waigand
After the city purchased the Exposition Gardens in Peoria, the future of the Heart of Illinois fair has been in doubt. Nothing since has changed the pessimistic outlook.
By: Cassidy Waigand, Zach Roth
Peoria Journal Star The future of the Heart of Illinois Fair had been in question since the city of Peoria purchased Exposition Gardens in September 2025.
Peoria Journal Star The Peoria City/County Health Department conducts food inspections for a wide range of establishments in the area.
