News about Rockford-area businesses big and small tops our most-read list in October
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — News about businesses big and small got the most readership on our site in October.
Readers flocked to an article about a new downtown Rockford shop centered around vintage toys and other nostalgia-inducing goods. But news about new restaurants, changes in management and other stories about local entrepreneurs dominated our list of the 10 most-read stories.
In fact, the 15 stories with the most readership in October were all about businesses in the area.
We’ve been sharing our top 10 most-read stories each month. We track the readership on stories to determine what garners the most interest in our community, and we share it at the start of each month so you can catch up on any stories you may have missed.
Here are the 10 stories with the most views in October:
Rockford man aims to create nostalgic joy with new vintage and collectibles business
Ethan Lundquist opened S’mores Collectibles & Vintage on Oct. 6 at 328 E. State St. in downtown Rockford.
The space was formerly home to the Fred VanVleet store and Magari shoe store. Now it has a variety of vintage toys, collectibles, games, trading cards and clothes.
Read the full story here
New gas station and truck stop to fill vacant parking lot in Rockford
QuikTrip plans to bring a new gas station and truck stop with a full-service kitchen to a vacant parking lot at the southwest corner of 11th Street and Sandy Hollow Road.
A timeline for construction has not been provided.
Read the full story here.
Family-owned RBK Bakery expands with third Rockford-area location
A family-owned bakery that specializes in traditional Mexican breads, pastries, cakes, cookies and other baked goods has opened its third location in the Rockford area.
RBK Bakery opened in October at CherryVale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave. It’s located on the upper level in the former Teavana between Pandora and Journeys.
Read the full story
Rockford-area gum factory officially has new ownership
The 67-year-old factory where some of the nation’s most recognizable gum brands are made is under new ownership after Perfetti Van Melle closed on its acquisition of Mondelez International’s gum business.
The maker of Mentos and Airheads closed on the purchase in October. Roughly 300 people are employed at the plant at 5500 Forest Hills Road.
Read the full story here
New soup shop inside Dairy Depot aims to spread love through food
Mama’s Feel Good Food opened Oct. 28 inside Dairy Depot, 5413 N. Second St., in Loves Park.
Julie and David Alexander are operating the seasonal soup shop during cold weather months. Dairy Depot will return with ice cream when the weather warms.
Read the full story here
New owners take over Ritchie’s Smokin’ BBQ in Machesney Park
New ownership has taken over Ritchie’s Smokin’ BBQ, 7828 N. Second St. in Machesney Park.
Taylor Griep, who worked on and off for the previous owner Ritchie Lane, now runs the restaurant.
Read the full story here
New management aims to reinvigorate former Cliffbreakers banquet operations
A Chicago-based hospitality company has taken over management of Riverview Inn & Suites with a focus on reinvigorating the once bustling banquet operation.
Maverick Hotels and Restaurants added the former Cliffbreakers to its portfolio in October. The property is still owned by Aries Capital.
Read the full story here
New business with vintage toys, diecast cars opens in Loves Park
Phoenix Diecast held its first monthly toy show in late October at 6125 N. Second St. The new diecast car and toy business took over the former LADIWORKZ business incubator space.
Read the full story here
New upscale restaurant SALT opens in Rockford
SALT, an upscale restaurant at 6860 Spring Creek Road, opened Oct. 27 in Rockford.
The new restaurant opened after extensive renovations to the former Josef’s Steakhouse & Oyster Bar.
Read the full story here
Sierra sets opening date for new store in Rockford
Sierra will open its first location in Rockford on Saturday at Forest Plaza.
The outdoor retailer, which is part of TJ Maxx family of brands, is opening at 6449 E. State St. between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Office Max.
Read the full story
More business news
Stories about local businesses also landed just outside of our Top 10 most-read stories for October. The next five most popular stories were about a new street taco business opening in the former Vintage 501, a new poke bowl restaurant coming to Perryville Road, plans for a new Popeyes Louisiana Chicken on East State Street, a new fashion retailer and social club in downtown Rockford and the reopening of Charles Street Shoe Repair.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
