ROCKFORD, IL — GoRockford announced an additional $427,631.17 in state funding awarded to area restaurants in the fifth and final round of its Restaurant Relief Grant Program, helping businesses continue to recover from elevated unemployment insurance taxes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 34 businesses received grant funding in February, bringing the total to 53 restaurants that received a share of $1.4 million across five grant cycles. The program was funded through an appropriation secured by Illinois State Representative Maurice West.

“Restaurants are foundational to Rockford’s visitor economy and overall business climate,” said John Groh, President/CEO of GoRockford. “When our hospitality sector is financially stable, it strengthens tourism, supports workforce retention, and reinforces our reputation as a welcoming destination. This final round helps ensure these establishments remain strong contributors to the region’s economic momentum.”

The Restaurant Relief Grant Program was created to address the lasting financial impact of COVID-19 on the local restaurant industry. Restaurants experienced significant increases in unemployment insurance costs that persisted well beyond state-mandated shutdowns. The program provided direct financial relief to stabilize operations, protect jobs, and preserve locally owned establishments that serve as economic and cultural anchors throughout Winnebago County.

“Rockford’s restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are more than just businesses; they are at the core of what makes our community great,” said Illinois State Representative Maurice West. “I am proud to have seen these grants go directly to our local establishments, where they have helped them recover and flourish. Investing in these small businesses means investing in jobs, in our community’s culture, and in the future of Rockford.”

Restaurant Owners Share the Program’s Impact:

  • “The Norwegian would not be open today without the Restaurant Grant. Words could never express the gratitude I have for the hard work of Maurice West and GoRockford,” Emily Hurd, owner, The Norwegian.
  • “We are incredibly grateful to Representative West and GoRockford for this Restaurant Relief Grant, funded by the State of Illinois. The support has made a meaningful impact on Franchesco’s, allowing us to reinvest in our team, continue serving our guests at the highest level, and remain a strong part of the Rockford community. We are proud to call this city home and thankful for leaders who support local restaurants,” said Benny Salamone, owner, Franchesco’s Restaurante.
  • “COVID was a hard time for all small business owners.  Unfortunately, for many restaurants, putting it in the rear-view mirror was tough, since we had to pay for it through our payroll taxes for years after.  This fund, fought for by Rep West and facilitated by GoRockford, has been very helpful as we’ve tried to close that chapter,” said Joshua Binning, owner, Lucha Cantina.
  • "The grant has been a huge lifeline for us, especially for the past two rough years. It definitely helped us get through tough times. We appreciate the hustle and the effort put forth by Rep. Maurice West and the GoRockford team. It’s great to know that there are people who see the impact and importance of unique restaurants like ours and our peers,” said Patrick Alberto, owner/chef, 27 Aluna.

Across the program’s five rounds, beginning in 2024, the following restaurants received grants:

27 Aluna @ Octane
Abreo Restaurant
Alchemy at Aldeen
Alpine View Restaurant
Carlyle Brewing
Casey’s Pub
Culver’s of Winnebago
District Bar & Grill
Don Carter Lanes
Dusty Boots Saloon
Famous Dave’s Rockford
Forest Hills Lanes
Franchesco’s Ristorante
Golden Corral
Greenfire Restaurant
Hoffman House
Hope & Anchor English Pub
J. W. Marc’s Fusion Café
Joe’s Casa Di Amici
John’s Restaurant
Johnny Pamcakes
Johnny Pamcakes Too
LimaMar Restaurant
Lucha Cantina
Machine Shed
Mary’s Market
Mulligan’s of Rockford
Murphy’s Pub & Grill
Olivo Taco
Onyx Bar & Grill
Oscar’s Pub & Grill
Park Lanes
Pig Minds
Pizza Ranch
Prairie Street Brewhouse
Rookie’s Pub & Grill
Rusty Nail Tavern
Scanlan’s
Spider Sushi
Stockholm Inn
Stockyard Rock Burger Bar
Tad’s Bar & Grill
Tavern on Clark
Thai Hut Restaurant
The Cherry Bowl
The Filling Station
The Norwegian
The Olympic Tavern
The Pomodoro
Thunderbay Grill
Tower Kitchen & Bar
Viking Lanes
Vintage @501/Taco Libre

Businesses received varying grant amounts depending on the impact of COVID-19 on their unemployment tax rates.

Administered by GoRockford and secured by Illinois State Representative Maurice West, the grants were awarded to eligible businesses in Winnebago County through an application process and professional review panel. The program was designed to mitigate the financial strain on restaurants caused by required unemployment tax payments resulting from employee layoffs during state-mandated shutdowns. Recipients were selected based on demonstrated eligibility, and all eligible applicants that met the program’s criteria received grants.

For additional information about the Restaurant Relief Grant Program, please visit GoRockford.com/Restaurant-Grant.