Tony Rozier hopes to create a unique experience in Streator.

Rozier opened the Streator Lounge at the America's Best Value Inn location on North Bloomington Street.

The Louisville, Ky., native, who has lived in town for the past five years, said he wanted to create a lounge similar to the former Town & Country Inn where people can enjoy a drink and a good meal under the same roof.

"We're shooting for more of what it used to be," Rozier said. "I know a lot of people in town were sad to see the old place go. The Lions and Kiwanis Clubs used to meet here. We're hoping to get them back."

While Rozier wants to bring back a business similar to the old one, he is adding new features.

This past weekend, Rozier planned to have a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. He also plans to have karaoke every Thursday, a DJ every Friday and a live band every Saturday.

"Why should someone have to drive 60 miles to see good entertainment?" Rozier said. "People work all week and they don't want to go to Joliet or Bloomington. A live band is one of the things I absolutely love and we're going to provide one every Saturday."

The tavern area will be recognizable to former customers. The pool table was moved and there is a big-screen television and lounge area where it used to be. Instead, there are two pool tables in a separate billiard room.

According to Rozier, a wall separating the dining area from the tavern was eliminated to make the place more spacious. There are three conference rooms for banquets and large meetings.

Along with those new features, Rozier hired William Swanigan as his executive chef. The Arkansas native has big plans for the menu, but said the restaurant initially will serve bar food like burgers, sandwiches and salads until they are established. He said Sunday brunches will tentatively begin Dec. 13.

"We're going to expand to a lunch menu soon and have dinner specials too," Swanigan said.

Though Rozier wants to create a more upscale environment, he does not anticipate the prices being unreasonable.

"We are costing things very well," Rozier said. "That should be the least of the public's worry. We'll have comparable prices to the other establishments in town."

Rozier said he knows the history of the former bar/restaurant and hopes former customers will come back and give his place a chance.

"From what I understand, it went downhill toward the end," Rozier said. "I expect some resistance from old customers, because they'll remember how it went downhill, but I want to say to them that we are going to run a first-class business."

The business has a Web site at www.streatorlounge.com.