Upcoming Expansion Will Make Pee-Paw’s Antique Maw the Largest Single-Structure Antique Mall on Historic Route 66

By Tara L. Simmons

After spending more than 30 years commuting across the river to work for Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, many would expect Brian McGill to ease into retirement. That was never his style. While retirement marked the end of one chapter, it became the starting point of something much bigger.

Brian has always been a collector, most notably for his extensive and highly impressive Anheuser-Busch collection, which includes exceptionally rare and hard-to-find pieces. His appreciation for antiques extends far beyond memorabilia. A jeweler deeply knowledgeable in the trade, Brian has long possessed a trained eye for coins, fine jewelry, and historical value. Collecting was never a pastime for him. It was a lifelong passion.

That passion ultimately led to the creation of Pee-Paw’s Antique Maw.

Like many good stories, the journey was not without setbacks. Brian initially secured what he believed to be the perfect location for his antique mall, only to see the deal fall through unexpectedly. While disappointing, the setback proved to be a turning point. What followed was an opportunity far greater than originally imagined.

In October of 2025, Pee-Paw’s Antique Maw opened in Fairmont City, Illinois, inside the former Food Land building along Historic Route 66. From the moment the doors opened, the response was overwhelming. The space quickly filled with antiques, collectibles, vintage finds, retro décor, artisan creations, and eclectic treasures spanning generations.

The store is thoughtfully laid out, clean, and easy to navigate, with wide aisles and well-organized vendor booths. More than 180 vendors currently call the Maw home, each maintaining fresh inventory and displays that change regularly. The result is a shopping experience that rewards repeat visits. There is always something new to discover.

But Pee-Paw’s Antique Maw is more than a collection of booths. It is a destination.

Vendors are drawn not only by the size of the space, but by Brian’s hands-on involvement and commitment to the success of those who sell there. His dedication extends to the staff and customers alike, creating an atmosphere that is energetic, welcoming, and refreshingly well-managed. That attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. There is already a full waiting list for vendors hoping to secure space.

Managers Jada Marsala and Kim Godar attribute much of the mall’s success to that culture. Pee-Paw’s is known for its friendly, high-energy environment, knowledgeable staff, and thoughtful amenities. The space features a fully stocked snack bar with seating, offering fresh deli sandwiches, salads, cobblers, cookies, soda, ice cream, and more. Complimentary coffee and freshly popped popcorn are always available, adding to the inviting experience.

Jada summed it up best: Pee-Paw’s is to antique malls what Bu-cee’s is to gas stations. “It’s the kind of place where everyone wants to stop,” she said. “There’s something for everyone, and once you’re here, you won’t leave empty-handed.”

And now, it’s getting even bigger.

Just three months after opening, Pee-Paw’s Antique Maw is already preparing for a major expansion. Once completed, the project will double the retail space to approximately 70,000 square feet, pushing the vendor count toward 400. When finished, the Maw will most likely become the largest single-structure antique mall in the state of Illinois and a major destination along Historic Route 66.

The expansion is projected to be completed by the end of May. Until then, visitors are encouraged to come experience the current space, as inventory continues to evolve daily.

Pee-Paw’s Antique Maw is located at 5401 Collinsville Road in Fairmont City, just off Interstate 55 at Exit 6. The location offers ample parking, including room for RVs, buses, and big rigs. The mall is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the exception of major holidays.

For more information, visit Pee-Paw’s Antique Maw on Facebook or call 618-806-6798.