Last Friday, downtown Rochelle marked the return of The Blackstone Bar & Grill with a ribbon-cutting that packed local officials, chamber leaders and neighbors into the Cherry Avenue storefront. After a stretch of dark nights and locked doors, the bar is back under new management and angling to reclaim its spot in the city’s evening scene. Owner Jim Withers framed the comeback as a hometown investment and made a point of thanking the community for sticking with the spot.
Grand reopening and what changed
According to Shaw Local, the ribbon-cutting happened Friday at 406 Cherry Ave., marking the official reopening of the Blackstone after a period of closure. The business originally launched in February 2023, and the new management is rolling out changes aimed at giving the downtown staple a sharper, refreshed presence. The restaurant’s ordering page on Toast lists the current menu and hours.
Owner credits community and plans a facelift
“I was born and raised here,” Withers told Shaw Local, explaining that his decision to take on the Blackstone is rooted in his belief in Rochelle and its future. He thanked his staff, the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and city partners for helping bring the bar back from its downtime. Withers also said he plans to renovate the building’s facade toward the end of the summer, part of a broader push to give the Cherry Avenue storefront a fresh look to match the relaunch inside.
Where to find it and what to expect
For anyone plotting their next night out, The Blackstone’s menu and operating hours are posted on its Toast ordering page. The local Luna site lists both Luna and The Blackstone as current restaurant locations in town, giving residents a couple of options when they are deciding where to land. The Rochelle Chamber’s site names Tricia Herrera as the chamber’s executive director and highlights the group’s support for downtown businesses like the Blackstone. For visitors, the addresses are straightforward: The Blackstone is at 406 Cherry Avenue, and Luna is at 531 South 7th Street in Rochelle.
