In a downtown that used to be filled with antique shops, Courtney Benting and Jacob Waller decided to bring Restored Market Co. to Main Street because of Mahomet’s charm and need for an antique shopping experience.
“We’ve been told many many times (downtown) used to be all antiques,” Benting said.
After looking in Farmer City, Mansfield and other small communities in East Central Illinois, Benting and Waller set up shop at 419 E. Main Street in February. After painting and decorating, the couple opened their doors in April.
Because both owners have full-time jobs, Restored Market is only open on weekends. Hours are posted weekly on their Facebook page.
Benting said she enjoys listening to Mahomet residents talk about the nostalgia of the antique environment of downtown Mahomet just as much as she loves to listen to her customers talk about the sentimental value of the items sold at Restored Market.
“We’ve had people come in and do laps, talking about what they had (in their home) growing up,” she said. “People love coming in to browse just to see stuff and relive those memories.”
One customer came in and purchased an enamel pot just because her mother used to make hot chocolate in something similar. They’ve also had newspapers with reports of the assassination of President Kennedy in the store.
“People are still out there looking for stuff like that,” Benting said. “They want to keep the history and artifacts alive.”
And that is why Benting and Waller decided to started Restored Market. They visited auctions, estate sales and garage sales just because they like to collect “old stuff,” according to Waller. Benting said they wanted to make sure everyone had access to those antiques and that they did not end up in the garbage.
“We look for all kinds of opportunities to buy items so they don’t end up in the trash or forgotten about,” she said. “He picks out things I didn’t think anyone would ever be interested in. And it’s the same thing for me; I pick out things and he asks ‘Who would buy that or use that?’ So it’s a balance that works out.”
Customers agree that the store works out. One Facebook review reads: “Loved my items I got and could have purchased at least 3 dozen more!! I’ll be back soon!” And another one says: “Not only did I think this place was creative and cute, but it had some great antiques.”
