Beloved TV star visited multiple Peoria businesses

PEORIA – The star of a beloved children’s TV show made an appearance at multiple local businesses recently.

Need a clue? He starred alongside a dog who was blue…

Steve Burns, known for his role in “Blue’s Clues,” was in town for the 2025 Illinois Comic Con at the Peoria Civic Center in November. During his stay, he stopped by The Bar at BLACK BAND, the bar above Ardor Breads and Provisions, and Matilda’s Cocktail Lounge.

Andrew Justus, general manager of The Bar at BLACK BAND, said it was an exciting surprise when Burns visited the restaurant Nov. 22.

“I have nieces and nephews, and I remember watching the show back in the day and yeah, it was a very, very important show for a lot of people,” he said. “So, that was really exciting.”

While it was a nice surprise, Justus said the staff worked to not draw too much attention to their guest.

Burns enjoyed a smashburger and a drink while there. Justus said Burns joked about needing a nap after the food and described the smashburger, a staple at the restaurant, as the “best burger” he’d ever had.

After dining, Justus gave Burns a tour of the space, which houses a restaurant and distillery. He said Burns loved the aesthetic and said it was “one of the coolest places” he dined at.

“That was a huge compliment,” Justus said. “We were extremely happy to get it.”

As Burns left, Justus said the staff told him about Matilda’s Cocktail Lounge. The ‘70s themed bar opened just over one year ago, and Justus said the “Blue’s Clues” star “sounded super excited” about the concept.

Burns did, indeed, make an appearance at Matilda’s. Owner Whitney Calvert told the Journal Star a “sweet regular recommended that he come and we were so glad he did!”

While there, he enjoyed a spicy watermelon margarita – an off-menu drink concocted by Ayana Moss.

“Angelica and Ayana said he was as wonderful and kind as you would hope he would be!” Calvert said in a text message.

Less than a half mile down the road, Burns also stopped by the bar atop Ardor Breads and Provisions on Saturday. He enjoyed an apple galette and a few of the Peggy & The Three Amigos cocktail.

Staff tried to not draw too much attention to him, according to Ardor Hospitality beverage director Billy Gilomen. Yet, he added “everyone was pretty excited that he was in here.”

As part of his childhood, Gilomen said he was excited to meet the “Blue’s Clues” star. Burns acted like any other customer, Gilomen said, and was friendly and polite to customers and staff members alike.