From Rockford Speedway plans to new local businesses, here are our 10 most-read stories from February
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The most-read Rock River Current article from the past month was about the first two of seven lots being developed in front of the Rockford Speedway.
Readers also flocked to stories about new local businesses, as well as some other business shake-ups in the area.
More news: Youth spaces at future Rockford Public Library designed to make kids fall in love with literacy
We watch our readership data to see what stories you’re connecting with most, and we share the Top 10 list each month so you can catch up on anything you may have missed.
Here are our 10 most-read stories from February 2024:
Here are the first 2 businesses coming to the Rockford Speedway property
Belle Tire and Club Car Wash have submitted plans to develop lots in front of the Rockford Speedway, making the automotive chains the first two businesses to build on the property.
Those are the first two of seven outlots that can be developed, as well as the racetrack area itself.
Read the full story.
A small community in rural Winnebago County is getting its first sit-down space to eat and drink
The small community of Seward in rural Winnebago County is getting its first place to sit down for a drink and food. The future bar, restaurant and slot parlor is called The Vault, and it is being developed from the former German American State Bank.
Read the full story.
New Rockford shop offers eclectic mix of vintage furniture and home decor
Nostalgic Dwelling, 4230 Charles St., opened in mid-February. Stephanie and Brad Towell opened the vintage furniture and home decor shop after moving back to Rockford after 20 years away.
Read the full story.
Here’s the retailer preparing to move into the former JoAnn Fabrics space
One of the largest western and work wear retailers in the country is preparing to move into the former JoAnn Fabrics space along East State Street.
Boot Barn started remodeling 6280 E. State St., suite No. 2, next to Old Chicago in December, according to city building officials.
Read the full story.
The GOAT Pub and Grill opens on Rockford’s North End
The GOAT Pub and Grill opened at 1428 N. Main St. on Rockford’s North End at the start of the month.
Tom McDonald spent seven months renovating the site that had previously been North Main Bar and before that The Barn.
Read the full story here.
Beef-a-Roo is expanding around the country with shipping container restaurants
Beef-a-Roo opened its first shipping container restaurant in Rose City, Michigan, in April.
Now, similar concepts could come to Freeport and Janesville and Beloit, Wisconsin, among other locations.
Read the full story.
Johnny Pamcakes plans to expand its offerings with move from Cherry Valley to Belvidere
Johnny Pamcakes has left its Cherry Valley location at Kegel Harley Davidson, 7125 Harrison Ave., suite B, for the former Firebox Restaurant at 120 Buchanan St. in downtown Belvidere.
The new restaurant is expected to open in a couple of weeks.
Read the full story.
5 honored as ‘Best of’ winners for Rockford Region Restaurant Week
The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau handed out five awards on Feb. 19 to the winners of this year’s “Best of” awards for Rockford Region Restaurant Week.
The winners area:
Best dessert: Dairyhaus, 113 E. Main St., Rockton
Best main course: SALT, 6860 Spring Creek Road, Rockford
Best cocktail or brew: Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford
Best deal: Cheezy’s Grilled Cheese, 2842 11th St., Rockford (inside BJ’s Place)
Best Experience: Hidden Creek Estates, 13276 White School Road, Roscoe
Read the full story here.
Rockford Community Bank to open State Street branch, Salamone’s to expand at existing space
Rockford Community Bank is renovating the former Illinois Decorator Center on East State Street for the future home of its next branch.
The space at 2219 E. State St. was previously owned by the family behind Salamone’s North, which was planning to open a restaurant at the site.
Read the full story here.
Acquisition of Loves Park company brings dart and jukebox brands together
TouchTunes Music Co., a New York-based company that has its connected jukeboxes in more than 65,000 venues across North America and Europe, has acquired Arachnid 360.
Compiled by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
