– Longtime downtown Rockford restaurant owner
– Downtown Rockford restaurant.
Mike Leifheit, Co-Owner of Irish Rose Saloon, Passes Away
Rockford, UK – Mike Leifheit, the beloved co-owner of the iconic Irish Rose Saloon in downtown Rockford, has sadly passed away. The news was announced in a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing that Leifheit lost his battle with an extended illness on Thursday, February 8. He was 78 years old.
Leifheit’s son, Drew, expressed his gratitude to the downtown community, the dedicated staff, and the loyal patrons of the Irish Rose Saloon for their support during his father’s difficult time last year.
A Passionate Journey in the Hospitality Industry
Leifheit’s passion for the hospitality industry began back in 1982 when he opened the Rock River Cafe and Deli in the State and Madison building, situated on the corner of State and Madison streets. The establishment quickly became known as downtown Rockford’s “bar mall,” attracting locals and visitors alike.
Not content with just a cafe, Leifheit expanded the Rock River Cafe to include live entertainment and introduced the original Irish Rose Saloon. The venture was a resounding success and allowed Leifheit to showcase his love for quality food and drinks.
In 1990, Leifheit and his ex-wife, Robin, relocated the Irish Rose Saloon to 519 E. State St., where they continued to serve the community with their exceptional offerings.
A Commitment to Quality
Leifheit was known for his unwavering commitment to sourcing the best ingredients. He would make weekly trips to Chicago to personally select the freshest meat, produce, and seafood for his restaurant. This dedication allowed him to provide his customers with an exceptional dining experience.
The Irish Rose Saloon remained a beloved establishment until its closure in February 2023, following Leifheit’s illness. Reports suggest that a sale of the venue is currently pending.
A Life Beyond the Restaurant
Before venturing into the restaurant business, Leifheit worked in the beverage industry, managing territories for RC Cola. Additionally, he showcased his writing skills through a weekly newspaper column titled “Hanging Out in Rockford” for The Rock River Times.
Funeral arrangements for Mike Leifheit have yet to be announced. His passing leaves a void in the Rockford community, as he was not only a successful entrepreneur but also a cherished member of the downtown family.
Jim Hagerty writes about business, growth and development, and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.
.
– Longtime downtown Rockford restaurant owner
– Downtown Rockford restaurant owner.
