Bradley University Honored Local Small Businesses

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship presented ten awards and launched a new Hall of Fame at its anniversary ceremony.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Awards

Bradley University Honored Local Small Businesses

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Bradley University celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship by hosting its eighth annual Small Business Awards. The event held at the Renaissance Coliseum also marked the induction of Albert Zeller into the inaugural Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

Why it matters

The ceremony serves to recognize the accomplishments of regional entrepreneurs while celebrating the long-standing impact of the Turner Center. These awards highlight the vital role small businesses play in the local economy.

Avanti's, founded by Albert Zeller in 1966, currently maintains four locations with a total workforce of 350 employees. The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship itself was established in 2001.

The players

Albert Zeller

He is the founder of the Avanti's restaurant chain and the first inductee into the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

Turner Center for Entrepreneurship

This Bradley University institution supports local business growth and celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

Bradley University

This private university located in Peoria hosts the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship at its campus.

The details

The event brought together business leaders from across the region to honor the institution's quarter-century of service. Albert Zeller was specifically recognized for his legacy in the community, reflecting on his six decades of operation since purchasing his original restaurant.

1966: Albert Zeller began his restaurant business operations.
2001: The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship was founded.
October 7, 2026: The eighth annual Small Business Awards took place.

Culture Shift

The introduction of the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame signals a shift toward formalizing the legacy of regional business leaders. This transition reflects a broader trend of institutions seeking to cement local history alongside their ongoing support for new ventures.

Residents and local business owners can observe how established regional figures are honored by academic institutions. These awards provide a visible benchmark for the longevity and scale of businesses currently operating in the area.

The takeaway

Recognizing long-term business founders helps bridge the gap between academic research and practical community development. Aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from studying the growth trajectory of multi-generational local firms.