Black-owned restaurants in Rockford, IL: Try these 14 places
ROCKFORD — February is Black History Month and in part, it’s a time to recognize the achievements of Black people.
The Rockford area has seen several Black-owned restaurants open and thrive in recent years despite challenges caused by the global pandemic.
Black business owners have been seen opening everything from all-natural juice bars to signature burger restaurants.
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Here is a list of some Black-owned restaurants that you can support this month and beyond.
15th & Chris
Type of food served: Burgers, fries and wings
Address: 201 15th Ave., Rockford
Contact: 779-774-4116, facebook.com/15thChris/
Chuc-a-Luc’s Fish Market Grill & Soul Food
Type of food served: Fried fish and traditional soul food sides
Address: 1104 Elm St., Rockford
Contact: 815-962-8292, facebook.com/Chuc-A-Lucs-Fishmarket-Grill
Fred’s Place
Type of food served: Soul food
Address: 1720 W. State St., Rockford
Contact: 779-500-0725, fredsplace.business.site
Ciao!:This Italian restaurant is closing after 5 years in Rockford
Rick’s Ribs
Type of food served: Barbecue and traditional soul food sides
Address: 349 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Contact: 779-210-3140, facebook.com/rickylovesribs/
Ripe Life Juice Co.
Type of food served: Fresh juices and fruit smoothies
Address: Stewart Square in downtown Rockford, 308 W. State St., suite 135, Rockford
Contact: 779-774-3274, facebook.com/RIPELIFEJUICE
Wammy’s Kitchen
Type of food served: Burgers with non-traditional toppings such as grilled shrimp
Address: 1222 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Contact: 779-210-4973, facebook.com/WammysKitchen
Jammin Jerk Grill
Type of food served: Traditional jerk dishes
Address: Inside CherryVale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Contact: 847-651-3037, facebook.com/jamminjerk815
Main Squeeze Rockford/Main Squeeze Vegan
Type of food served: 100% plant-based food and fresh juice
Address: Food truck
Contact: facebook.com/Main-Squeeze-RockfordMain-Squeeze-Vegan
Little Nick’s BBQ
Type of food served: Barbecue, brisket
Address: 3118 Auburn St., Rockford
Contact: 815-697-4227, littlenicksbbq.com
The Spot Café of Rockford
Type of food served: Soup, salad, sandwiches and pastries
Address: 628 7th St., Rockford
Contact: 815-962-9212, facebook.com/The-Spot-Cafe
Banana Cherry Bakery
Type of food served: Pastries, donuts, cakes, bread and assorted desserts.
Address: 1274 S. Alpine Road, Rockford
Contact: 815-977-4547, facebook.com/Banana-Cherry-Bakery
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Zammuto’s
Type of food served: Cheeseburgers, hot dogs, fries, granitas and ice cream
Address: 725 Kent St. Rockford
Contact: 815-962-9180, facebook.com/zammutos
Smokehouse Bar-b-que
Type of food served: Rib tips, barbecue, brisket
Address: 432 Harrison Ave., Rockford
Contact: 815-962-5512, facebook.com/Smokehouse-Bar-b-que
JC’s Fish Market
Type of food served: Catfish, buffalo and perch
Address: 4333 W. State St., Rockford
Contact: (815) 708-7467, facebook.com/JCS-Fish-Market
Shaquil Manigault: smanigault@gannett.com; @RRstarShaquil