Benny’s to open 2nd and 3rd locations at former Machesney Park Mall and former Johnny Pamcakes

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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MACHESNEY PARK — The team behind Benny’s Slots Wines Spirits in Roscoe is preparing to open its second and third locations, bringing its neighborhood bar vibe to the former Machesney Park Mall and the former Johnny Pamcakes at Kegel Harley Davidson in Cherry Valley.

First up is the new Benny’s @ Nest, next to Nestory Park Self Storage at 8790 N. Second St. at Machesney Town Center, the name for the former mall property. The goal is to open on Thursday, pending final inspections.

It’s also renovating the former Johnny Pamcakes, 125 Harrison Ave., suite B in Cherry Valley, with a goal to open in June. The Cherry Valley location would feature a full kitchen operated in partnership with Windsor Pizza.

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Benny’s is owned by brothers Rory and Rudy Colwell and Jason Jacobson. David Flaherty, the owner of Nestory, is also a partner at the Machesney Park location.

They want Benny’s @ Nest to be a relaxed everyday hangout spot, whether you’re inside watching a game or playing slots or enjoying summer weather on its front patio. There will also be open mic nights, live music on weekends and a several special events centered around music and food trucks throughout summer and early fall.

Benny’s @ Nest will have two food trucks in front of its bar daily  — one that serves tamales and another featuring barbecue, the owners said. You can also order and bring in food from any other surrounding establishments.

The bar has large garage-style glass doors that open to the patio space.

“People want a place to enjoy the sunshine,” Rory Colwell said. “When the sun is shining, they don’t want to be inside.”

The drink menu ranges from upscale whiskey, tequila and bourbon to a $1 Busch Light. There are also specialty shots, mixed drinks and other beers.

“We’re an everyday working man’s, working woman’s bar. We keep prices down.” Rory Colwell said. “We can’t cater to everybody, but we try to be pretty broad that we can handle most people whether their tastes are pretty expensive or if they’re taste is just a beer.”

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Inside is a small gaming space and a bar with seating at stitched black leather seats.

“We’re very big on making sure that the establishments are clean and you feel comfortable,” Rudy Colwell said. “When you walk in, we want you to feel like you’re at a nice place.”

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday

The first special event is Benny’s Rockin’ the Park and is slated for May 25. It will feature live performances from ModiFiRe, Dead Man’s Hand and Audiodrive. There will be other special events throughout the summer, including Bike Night in partnership with Harley Davidson and other live music events.

Meanwhile, the team is renovating the former Johnny Pamcakes for its future bar and restaurant connected to Kegel’s Harley Davidson. Johnny Pamcakes moved from the Kegal’s space to 120 Buchanan St. in Belvidere earlier this year.

The goal is to open that space by June. It will be called Benny’s Bourbon Tequila Slots.

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