Springfield’s landmark SONRISE CAFE building is back in business -- this time as home to an authentic Mexican taco shop.

TAQUERIA MOROLEON is the latest to open in the 1101 S. Ninth St. building that began as the city’s first doughnut shop/coffee bar complete with vintage “Sonrise Donut” neon signage, horseshoe-shaped Formica counter and bright red counter stools.

“This is the real, real Mexican food,” said business owner Salvador Lopez, who christened his restaurant after his homeland in Mexico’s Moroleon region.

“I wanted to do real Mexican food. Not the Tex-Mex you find around here.”

Keeping it authentic includes toppings like tongue, cow brains and intestines.

The décor also is staying real at this Route 66 landmark with the coffee bar remaining; however, booths have been added to the full-service dining establishment.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Phone: 210-2600.

The Ninth Street location had sat empty since EMILIO’S NEW CONEY ISLAND closed last summer.

Sonrise Donut opened in 1947, sitting along what was then the Route 66 corridor through Springfield. The business closed in 1998 after owner Don Greenslade died.

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A “Now hiring” sign is posted at the GROOVY DUCK address at 3165 S. Dirksen Parkway.

Calls to the operators have not been returned. However, the restaurant’s Facebook page – which refers to the business as a “Hibachi Grill – Sushi – Noodles” -- says an opening is coming soon.

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An outdoor farmers market will be held Sunday at HY-VEE as part of the Buy Fresh Buy Local programming.

Shoppers can purchase produce, flowers and locally raised meat, meet the farmers, sample seasonal produce and get recipes that use in-season products.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2115 S. MacArthur Blvd.

The ILLINOIS STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE organizes Buy Fresh Buy Local events.

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IHOP restaurants nationwide have set a goal to serve 1 million pancakes Tuesday to raise funds and awareness for childhood hunger.

The chain will be offering a short stack of buttermilk pancakes for $1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with all proceeds benefiting NO KID HUNGRY. The daylong event kicks off IHOP’s No Kid Hungry campaign, which runs through Sept. 25. Throughout the event, customers can add a donation to the not-for-profit on their check or online at www.IHOP.com.

IHOP is at 4001 Wabash Ave. and 2600 Sunrise Drive in Springfield.

No Kid Hungry – a campaign of the national anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength -- estimates that one in five kids will face hunger this year. The group helps provide food to those at need, as well as teach families how to shop and cook on a budget.

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Springfield’s signature dish has been reinvented again -- this time as dessert.

SCOOP DU JOUR in Chatham has created an ice cream horseshoe. The confection features two doughnuts topped with two scoops of ice cream, pound cake cut to resemble crinkle-cut french fries, a marshmallow “cheese” sauce and whipped cream.

Ice cream selection is customer choice, though creator Fran Abbott prefers chocolate because it resembles the hamburger patty used in traditional horseshoes.

Cost is $6.99.

The ice cream shop is at 1029 Jason Place in Foxx Creek Plaza.

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LET’S MAKE DINNER is making its “10 Meal Deal” a permanent part of its offerings after strong response to what was intended to be a summer-only event.

Select 10 prepared meals from the menu for either two, three or six servings. Prices range from $80 to $220. Orders must be placed in advance. Phone: 546-4825.

Let’s Make Dinner, at 2943 West White Oaks Drive, makes from-scratch heat-and-eat meals.

-- The A La Carte column highlights restaurant openings, closings, renovations and relocations, as well as personnel changes and business news. Natalie Morris can be reached at 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.