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The new norm is reading about a restaurant or store in Rockford closing and not being surprised by the news. It's sad but true. And, although it's not been confirmed, Steak 'n Shake on East State Street could be the next to go.

Last year Steak 'n Shake's parent-company temporarily closed restaurants in an attempt to offset declining profits but, as Restaurant Business reports, they're forced to close 51 stores. Some of the closures will include restaurants that were already temporarily closed. Also not a surprise scapegoat, the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company simply said in its earnings report that the pandemic “has adversely affected our operations and financial results.” The company’s restaurants have temporarily shut their dining rooms but have been open for drive-thru service and takeout.

It may be worth mentioning, their phone went unanswered this morning when I called the restaurant. If the closure happens, they will join the more than a dozen other restaurants that have closed in Rockford since January of 2019.

Rockford-area Restaurants That Have Closed Since January 2019

Another restaurant in Rockford that didn't make the list (but could) is Old Chicago, which is temporarily closed under the same circumstances.


JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram.

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