33 Rockford-area restaurants to benefit from pandemic relief funds

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Thirty-three local restaurants will receive a financial boost from state funding in compensation for state-mandated closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In total, $469,475 was awarded.

Grants range from $300 to $80,000 and are intended to reduce the strain caused by mandatory COVID-19 pandemic-related closures and subsequent layoffs in the first three months of 2021.

Those layoffs created a higher state unemployment tax rate for restaurants, officials said.

“A lot of businesses are closing due to the fact they can’t meet payroll, because of the high unemployment tax rate,” said Patrick Alberto, chef and owner of 27 Aluna, at 124 N Main Street. “So, imagine if your payroll is already $15,000 and you have to pay another $2,000 on top of that. That usually goes to bills. You’re going to have a hard time staying afloat.”

Grant recipients were determined by the Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau along with a professional review panel.

Recipients included:

27 Aluna @ Octane
Abreo Restaurant
Alchemy at Aldeen
Alpine View Restaurant
Culvers of Winnebago
District Bar & Grill
Dusty Boots Saloon & Eatery
Famous Dave’s
Franchesco’s Ristorante
Golden Corral
Greenfire Restaurant & Bakery
Hoffman House
Hope & Anchor English Pub
J.W. Marc’s Fusion Cafe
Johnny Pamcakes
LimaMar Restaurant
Lucha Cantina
Mulligan’s
Murphy’s Pub
Onyx Bar & Grill
Oscar’s Pub & Grill
Prairie Street Brewhouse
Scanlan’s
Stockholm Inn
Stockyard Rock Burger Bar
Tad’s Bar & Grill
Tavern on Clark
Thai Hut Restaurant
The Filling Station
The Norwegian
The Olympic Tavern
The Pomodoro
Vintage @501 / Taco Libre

Another round of awards will be made after 2024 unemployment taxes have been paid and quarterly payroll reports are completed. Round 2 applications are expected to open in early July.

“Our restaurants are part of the heart and soul of our communities, providing not just meals, but also employment opportunities and gathering spaces,” said Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). “The grants we’ve awarded are a testament to our unwavering dedication to preserving the fabric of Rockford’s culinary community.”

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