Rockford’s only Peruvian restaurant will close after more than 5 years in business

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city’s only Peruvian restaurant plans to close at the end of the month after more than five years in business in downtown.

LimaMar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, 221 E. State St., will mark its last day in business on April 30. The normal Tuesday-Sunday operating hours will be in effect until then.

Owners Rossana Maya Terry and Ross Terry prided themselves on making everything from the sauces that flavor its authentic dishes to the sweet toppings on its unique cocktails from scratch.

“Downtown has been a little bit slower, although not horrible,” Ross Terry said in a brief phone interview. “But it’s been fun … We had our good points and a great business.”

Maya Terry, who grew up in Lima, Peru, created a menu at the boutique restaurant that set out to tell the story of the cuisine and culture of her home country. Her husband, who runs the cocktail side of the business, crafted unique drinks such as such as his cotton candy cocktail garnished with housemade cinnamon cotton candy.

The restaurant’s customer base came from across the region, with Ross estimating as much as 40% or more visiting from places such as Chicagoland. LimaMar also offered cocktail classes where Ross taught the craft.

The restaurant had been in business since Sept. 29, 2019. It is next door to the former Omakase, which closed late last year.

The couple announced plans to close Thursday on social media.

“Thank you, Rockford, for being a part of our LimaMar family for all these amazing years. Until we meet again, keep the memories of your favorite cocktails and dishes close to your heart,” they wrote on Facebook and Instagram. “A heartfelt thank you, Rockford, for all the incredible years we’ve shared together. We will see you again someday, somewhere, somehow.”

Fast facts | LimaMar Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

Location: 221 E. State St., Rockford

Hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday

Opened: Sept. 29, 2019

Owner: Rossana Maya Terry

On the web: limamarrestaurant.com

Facebook: @LimaMarRestaurant

Instagram: @limamarrestaurant

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