Compton
Compton, IL · Lifestyle
Rockford Register Star
Hey Rockford, Beef-a-Roo is back
ROCKFORD, IL — Beef-a-Roo is back. The restaurant chain officially reopened its first Rockford location Thursday with a 9:30 a.m. ribbon cutting at 6593 Lexus Drive, the first of eight restaurants its new owners plan to open by spring 2027. Owner and CEO Bob Grottke and Alex Edwards, president of 815 Beef-a-Roo, led the effort to revive the brand after its closure. Grottke said the project was driven by community involvement and the legacy of a brand that has been around a long time. “Today is the first of several locations that will open,” said Meredith MacKay, director of membership for the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce. “We are super, super excited for this day. I know we’ve all been waiting for it for a long time.” Grottke said the biggest obstacle was securing vendors and negotiating the purchase and use of the building and the licensing of the brand. He said relationships with vendors helped make the reopening possible. He said all eight locations should be open within the next several months. Grottke said the reopening will create about 700 jobs in total. He said the company has brought back many former employees, from general managers and district managers
familydestinationsguide.com
This Massive Antique Mall In Illinois Is Where You Can Easily Spend An Entire Day
Somewhere in Volo, Illinois, there’s a place that will make you forget you had plans today. Volo Antique Malls is the kind of destination that sounds simple on paper but absolutely refuses to be simple in real life. You think you’re going to pop in, take a quick look...
northernpublicradio.org
northwestquarterly.com
northwestquarterly.com
fastfoodclub.com
Weekend Trips For Swedish Pancakes Keep Diners Coming Back To This Small-Town Illinois Breakfast Spot
Some people plan their weekends around ball games or yard sales. Others plan them around a stack of Swedish pancakes in a small Illinois river town. One little cafe in Byron has turned a simple breakfast into a regular road trip for families, friends, and coworkers. Folks keep coming back for the pancakes, the friendly faces, and a hometown feel that seems harder to find every year.
rockrivercurrent.com
Photos | Beef-a-Roo reopens Lexus Drive restaurant in Rockford
ROCKFORD — Beef-a-Roo cut the ribbon on Thursday at 6593 Lexus Drive, the first of eight area Beef-a-Roo restaurants set to reopen. The new ownership group expects the restaurant at 5109 Rockrose Court in Roscoe to be the next to open. The goal is to have four to five of the restaurants back online by the end of the year with all eight open by spring. Read the full story HERE.
islands.com
Between Chicago And Madison Is A Midwestern Outdoor Gem With Scenic Trails, Fishing, And Wildlife
Settled on a little over 3,400 acres of glacial kames and prairie in far northern Illinois is a park whose open space, sparkling creek, verdant hiking trails, and paddling routes make it highly coveted by outdoor enthusiasts. Known as Glacial Park and situated around 1.5 hours from Chicago, it includes 490 acres of designated nature preserve and is a popular place among locals and tourists alike. Meander along one of several hiking trails and soak in the sunshine. Stop at the stream and listen to its whispers before finishing your day overlooking an endless prairie. Do remember: Bug-repellent clothing spray is a must, especially for hikers (Amazon offers an odorless, long-lasting option).
The Journal Standard
Northern Illinois artists display plein air works
An exhibit featuring 35 plein air artworks from artists across northern Illinois is on display at the Coliseum Museum in downtown Oregon through Oct. 31, with award winners recognized during a reception on Oct. 9. Awards for the Rock River Valley Painters Guild Annual Plein Air Art Exhibit were presented at the museum, according to a community announcement. Rockford artist and judge Jean Apgar selected the top entries from artwork submitted by participating artists. Dick Cholke of Pecatonica received first place for the watercolor painting “Rain Barrel.” Lucinda Winterfield of Dixon earned second place for the acrylic painting “Old Renne Farm,” while Tom Linden of Rockford took third place for the watercolor “Up Your Alley.” Terry Werntz of Freeport received an honorable mention for the oil painting “Sunday Afternoon.” The exhibit includes works created in acrylic, oil, pastel and watercolor by 13 artists from across northern Illinois. Visitors can vote for a favorite artwork Museum visitors may cast votes for a People’s Choice award during the exhibition. The winner will be announced when the exhibit closes Oct. 31. The Coliseum Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. An attached image accompanying the announcement identified Cholke
rockrivercurrent.com
Almoká Coffee Truck celebrates grand opening in owner’s hometown of Belvidere
BELVIDERE — A mobile coffee shop centered on Yemini flavors has officially opened for business, bringing the taste of Almoká Coffee House from Rockford to the owner’s hometown. Almoká Coffee Truck celebrated its ribbon-cutting with the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday at 105 W. Harrison...