Irish Rose Saloon, 519 E. State St., has closed indefinitely due to a family illness, the restaurant announced Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, on Facebook. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Irish Rose Saloon, a staple for fine dining in downtown for more than 30 years, announced on Facebook Tuesday that it would be closed indefinitely due to a family illness.

“All of our wonderful guest and employees are important to us, but we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of family members as they and close friends of the Rose sort out what the future holds,” the Irish Rose posted on Facebook.

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The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from customers and other local businesses who wished owner Michael Leifheit and his team well.

“Sending some positive wishes to Mike and the Rose crew / family. One of our favorite spots in town,” The Olympic Tavern, one of several local businesses to respond, wrote on Facebook.

The Irish Rose opened in January 1990 at 519 E. State St. The building formerly housed The Stop Tap and Ma’s Cafe, according to Rockford Register Star archives kept by the Rockford Public Library local history room.

The Irish Rose Saloon, 519 E. State St., opened in January 1990 in downtown Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.

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