LIKED IT ALL—This group tried a little bit of everything at a pre-opening party Saturday, January 30. Pictured is Mike Chapin, Anthony Kline, Anthony Kline Jr., six months old, Tom Tjalsma and Mike Tjalsma.
Pizza Hut – WingStreet opens on Ten Mile
It makes Brian Cronkright crazy when he hears servers describe Pizza Hut – WingStreet’s beverage options described as Pepsi products. “There is so much on our beverage menu you wouldn’t expect,” the VP of Marketing for the company said of the newest restaurant to open in the area. He was on hand at Pizza Hut -WingStreet’s new location at 2745 Ten Mile (in front of the Rockford Meijer) prior to the restaurant’s opening on Monday, February 1.
Cronkright bragged up the beverage menu, Pepsi products, but much more, smoothies, floats and some things for adults only—from frozen, blended daiquiris, 22-degree beers, wine cocktails and specialty drinks. The restaurant opened with a full liquor license. There are seven large-screen televisions, seating for more than 100, and an impressive ten-page menu.
Philip Jackson, general manager, pictured with server Erin, holds the ten-page menu offered at the new Pizza Hut - Wing Street restaurant opened on Ten Mile Road
“When you add a new piece of equipment, it opens up what you can offer,” Cronkright said. He referred to the fryer brought in to offer the wings: traditional, breaded and boneless, but which allows the new eatery to expand from the pizza-based traditional offerings.
Diners may choose sides, such as the spinach artichoke dip, pizza, wings, Tuscani pastas, soups, salads, sandwiches or desserts. There are also kid’s meals and treats, including a gummy worm sundae. With easy access from US-31 and not far from downtown Rockford, the franchise location is prime. The possibility of a sports complex coming in across the street is just gravy, according to Cronkright. Over three quarters of a million dollars was invested in the restaurant, and 55 people were hired out of over 500 who applied.
Franchise owner Trigo Hospitality has been looking for a location in the Rockford area for about five years, and the newly-built mall was a perfect fit. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until midnight Friday and Saturday. Take-out is also available. The restaurant’s phone number is (616) 863-3311.
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