By Helen Karakoudas
Special to the Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A taste of New Orleans nightlife is coming to downtown Rockford. The former Kryptonite space at 308 W. State St. is being made over into Sheila’s Daiquiri Lounge, a cocktail bar first for the Rockford region. 

Slated to open by early March, Sheila’s Daiquiri Lounge will specialize in serving the colorful alcoholic slushies made popular on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. 

“We love this space. We love this location,” owner Sheila Black said Saturday, pausing from painting the first floor and looking out the windows to where State and Main streets cross on the west side of the Rock River. “We’re going to bring a lot here: mellow music, soft couches, a fireplace, a cozy laid-back place to stop and relax.”

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Launching this business is an empty-nest project — and a first-time hospitality venture — for Sheila Black and her husband, Derek. She works for a local aerospace company. He works for a local credit union. The Machesney Park couple have three young adult children. 

On visits to their children, all of whom have moved out of state, they’re finding daiquiri bars — something that over a decade and a half ago they found only on their getaways to New Orleans. 

“I remember walking into a bar on Bourbon Street and seeing a line of daiquiri machines. Now that was neat,” Derek Black said. “We said back then, let’s look into it and bring something like this here.”

Family responsibilities put that intention on hold, Sheila Black said. 

“Then we were in Vegas, where they have all the daiquiris. And then Arlington, Texas,” Derek Black said, referring to bar sightings on visits to their children. “We said, we need to bring this to Rockford now.”

John Groh, CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and head of downtown’s River District Association, agrees.

“The concept is new to Rockford and has proven to be popular in other markets. We’re sure it will be a great addition to the River District,” Groh said.

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After months of looking for a location, the couple opted in late November for the two-floor corner unit in Stewart Square, where the work needed to suit their vision was not extensive. Rockford Register Star archives show the last business to occupy the space, Capital House, a high-end seafood restaurant, had spent $250,000 in improvements. 

Capital House closed in July 2019 after 17 months. The space had previously housed Kryptonite, a bar and music venue that closed in July 2016 after 15 years.

Sheila and Derek Black are doing most of the cosmetic interior work themselves, including tiling to showcase the wall that will anchor the frozen daiquiri machines. As the couple await their liquor license, they continue to test flavor combinations.

That’s because frozen daiquiris like the variations made popular in New Orleans don’t have to be made with rum, the original spirit for the classic Cuban cocktail, nor just with lime juice, the other original ingredient. So there’s a world of flavor combinations.

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According to Derek Black, the spirits most frequently used in the signature drinks at Sheila’s Daiquiri Lounge will be rum, bourbon, tequila and vodka. Sheila Black said the daiquiri flavors will rotate weekly and that in addition to her favorites, she’ll be taking requests.

The couple is also working on their food menu. Initially, they plan to offer Italian beef sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, chicken wraps, bruschetta, salads and cheese boards. 

On the upstairs level, where there’s a traditional bar and where booths will be added, guests will be able to order beer and mixed drinks, including specialty cocktails like chocolate martinis. 

In addition to the soothing music they have piped into each floor, the couple is planning to bring in music and comedy acts, and to host poetry readings and karaoke. 

They are finalizing hours but expect to be open Tuesday through Sunday starting at 4 p.m. 

“When you look at the new businesses that have recently opened in downtown and specifically on the west side of the river, there’s a nighttime scene that is growing in appeal and popularity,” Groh said, referring to how the 2023 additions of Wood & Brick Tavern, Ambiance and Tortilla Express complement favorites like Octane, Minnihan’s, District Bar and Grill, and Embassy Suites Rockford Riverfront’s rooftop bar. “Sheila’s Daiquiri Lounge will fit right in with their new offerings and unique concept.”

Sheila and Derek Black are working toward opening the first week in March. With the location being within the boundaries of the city of Rockford’s recently approved Entertainment District, Sheila’s Daiquiri Lounge will also be able to offer daiquiris to go.

About | Sheila’s Daiquiri Lounge

Where: 308 W. State St., Suite 110, Rockford

On social media: instagram.com/sheila_daiquirilounge

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