509 S Illinois Ave 6,000 SF Retail Building Carbondale, IL 62901 $695,000 ($115.83/SF)

Positioned in the heart of downtown Carbondale, 509 S Illinois Avenue presents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully equipped, freestanding restaurant and retail property with a rich legacy. Formerly home to Pagliai’s Pizza & Pasta for 57 years, this 6,000-square-foot building is now available for sale, offering a turnkey solution for restaurateurs, investors, or entrepreneurs seeking a high-visibility location in a vibrant college town.
The property includes all leasehold improvements and furnishings, such as walk-in coolers, pizza ovens, prep stations, commercial dishwasher, Hobart mixer, and more—plus two private party rooms, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a gas fireplace. A new HVAC system is scheduled for installation, further enhancing operational readiness.
Strategically located across from The Big Chill and surrounded by city-owned parking lots, the site benefits from excellent pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The sale includes an adjacent parking lot and additional employee parking on the south side. Zoned BPL and situated within Carbondale’s TIF District and Enterprise Zone, the property qualifies for valuable tax incentives, making it an attractive investment for both owner-users and developers.
With its strong infrastructure, central location, and built-in customer base from nearby Southern Illinois University, this asset is primed for a new chapter of success.