FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2023

ROCKFORD, IL — The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau has unveiled the Rockford Pizza Hop, the second installment of a digital passport promotion designed to encourage visitors and residents to explore local businesses and offerings in the Rockford region. This carefully crafted pizzeria and brewery trail provides enthusiasts with the opportunity to savor a wide range of pizza styles, from traditional to gourmet, while enjoying locally crafted brews.

“Nothing creates memories like a good-natured disagreement over which is the best pizza place in Rockford! Locals have their favorites, so we thought visitors should get in on the action, too. Now, with our new pizza and beer trail, folks can vote with wallet and by checking in at their favorite pizzeria or brewery,” said John Groh, RACVB president/CEO. “Whether you’re a foodie or simply enjoy trying new sauce or crust combos, this passport will guide you to delicious culinary experiences around Rockford.”

MOBILE PASSPORT: Residents and visitors can sign up for Pizza Hop at www.GoRockford.com/PizzaHop where they will register for a mobile-friendly “passport”. The passport is an online directory which allows a user to use geo-location services on their mobile device to find the nearest participating pizzerias and breweries. Then a user simply goes to the restaurant and checks-in using their mobile device. Some locations have offers exclusive to Rockford Pizza Hop users, which can be redeemed during their visit.

Upon arrival at the establishment, participants will find the participating location on Rockford Pizza Hop and ask the host or server for a unique four-digit check-in code designated to the specific business. They then input the four-digit code on their mobile device.

PRIZES: To kickoff Rockford Pizza Hop, the RACVB is offering a contest that includes a basket featuring beers and merchandise from participating locations. The basket also includes $100 gift card to a participating Rockford Pizza Hop location of the winner’s choice. To enter the contest, register for Rockford Pizza Hop and check-in at least 1 location by November 30. Participants must be 21+ to enter to win the giveaway items.

Each check-in will earn users 100 points and can be redeemed for prizes that include a Rockford Pizza Hop Sticker with just one check-in at 100 points, Rockford Map Bottle Opener with five check-ins at 500 points, Pizza Cutter with six check-ins at 600 points and a Pint Glass with eight check-ins at 800 points. These points can also be accumulated and go towards larger prizes as more sites are visited.

“Residents and visitors will love Rockford Pizza Hop because it gives them a chance to try locations they frequent or locations they have never tried. Users can use the pass when they dine in or carry out, and for example can use it to purchase a growler of beer or a pizza for watching football with friends or family. Rockford Pizza Hop will also be great for the holidays when families need a night off from cooking,” said Elizabeth Falls, RACVB marketing manager.

Rockford Pizza Hop, including registration and access to all online information is free and open for all. Currently there are 12 locations available, with more anticipated to be added over time. All local pizzerias and breweries were invited to participate.

Participating Locations include:

  • Carlyle Brewing Co. | 215 E. State Street, Rockford, IL
  • Franchesco’s Ristorante | 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL
  • Frankie’s Pizzeria | 6935 11th Street Suite 1, Rockford, IL
  • Gerry’s Pizza | 7403 Argus Drive, Rockford, IL
  • Lino’s | 5611 E. State Street, Rockford IL
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria | 6240 Mulford Village Drive, Rockford IL 
  • Nunzio’s Restaurant | 5800 N. 2nd Street, Loves Park, IL
  • Pig Minds Brewing Co. | 4080 Steele Drive, Machesney Park, IL
  • Pino’s on Main Pizza | 2511 N. Main Street, Rockford IL
  • Prairie Street Brewing Co. | 200 Prairie Street, Rockford, IL
  • Sam’s Ristorante & Pizzeria | 6075 E. Riverside Boulevard, Rockford, IL
  • The Olympic Tavern | 2327 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL
  • Woodfire Rockford | 408 E. State Street, Rockford, IL

The Rockford Pizza Hop is free to all local pizza and brewery establishments that wish to participate. RACVB is still accepting locations to be added.

The first installment of the RACVB’s digital passport, the Rockford Public Art Trail, has accumulated approximately 5,200 check-ins, with visitors coming from as far as North Carolina and Arizona. Fourteen users have checked into all 100+ locations on the Public Art Trail. The most popular mural on the Art Trail according to the passport is the Libby Gardner mural painted by Jenny Roesel Ustick and Atalie Gagnet and located at 211 E. State St. in Rockford.

About: RACVB is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, RACVB strengthens the economic position of the region and provides opportunities for people in our communities. www.gorockford.com

 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Elizabeth Falls, RACVB marketing manager: 815.708.0089, efalls@gorockford.com