4 new businesses in Machesney Park range from bars and spas to exotic cars

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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MACHESNEY PARK — The village announced on Tuesday the arrival of two new businesses and development plans for two others, including a new bar and an exotic car dealership.

The new businesses are Burch Dental and Golden Aura Hair & Spa, while on the horizon later this year are Tap 251 bar and JPM Exotics car dealership.

“We are always excited to see economic growth here in Machesney Park,” Mayor Steve Johnson said in a news release. “Entrepreneurs and established businesses are seeing the appeal of the village, especially within the Illinois 173 corridor.”

Here’s a breakdown of what was announced:

Tap 251

The former Chugger’s bar at 11700 N. Second St. will be turned into Tap 251, a new bar with video slots. Owner Xhevdet “Johnny” Shemshedini is renovating the space now for the new venue.

Burch Dental

Burch Dental recently opened its new Machesney Park branch at 9721 N. Alpine Road. The dental practice also has locations at 1646 N. Alpine Road in Rockford and 3914 N. Main St. in Rockford.

The new 7,200-square-foot branch offers general dentistry services.

JPM Exotics

JPM Exotics, a car dealership that specializes in high-end and hard-to-find vehicles, is coming to 1163 Power Road, which is along Illinois 251 north of Ralston Road.

Owner Nate Jordan is renovating a vacant property this spring in hopes of opening the dealership by October.

Golden Aura Hair & Spa

Taliyah Huffman renovated a former Cost Cutters to bring Golden Aura Hair & Spa to 1335 W. Lane Road. The spa, which opened in late February, introduced the first premium Japanese head spa services to Machesney Park.

It also offers hair treatments, skin care, nail services and a combination of scalp massage and water therapy.

Other projects

The village previously announced plans for Church’s Texas Chicken to fill the former KFC at 1586 West Lane Road. The KFC had abruptly closed in August.

Church’s is expected to open later this spring.

The village also said Tuesday that TJ Maxx, a longtime tenant at Machesney Crossings, is undergoing interior renovations to improve its shopping experience.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct when KFC closed in Machesney Park.

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