NEST open again downtown

Add comment June 25th, 2009

Register Star file photo

SCOTT MORGAN | ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR
A selection of 50’s-, 60’s- and 70’s-style furniture for sale at the new store NEST seen Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008 at 218 E. State St. in Rockford.

NEST, 218 E. State St., has reopened after a yearlong absence.

The furniture and unique home decor store opened in December 2007. Owner Chris Furney was passionate about the project but passed away suddenly in May 2008.

His parents, Cyndi and Vern Furney, own the building and tried to sell it. But Cyndi said the down economy made them reconsider that plan because the space was still able to be used.

“We just kind of fell into this new type of store,” Cyndi said. “It’s nice to have some more activity downtown.”

NEST will feature mid-century and modern furniture, a nod to Chris’s original business plan, but also will accept consignment furniture and home decor from estates for resale.

Vern is running the store because Cyndi and business partner Sharon Hendricks still own Eclectic, a gift store just up the street at 308 E. State St. Cyndi said Eclectic will carry more gifts like china and crystal stemware because of their new venture into consignment and estate sales.

Eclectic is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

NEST will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Olive restaurant and bar open near 173

4 comments June 25th, 2009

There’s a new dining spot near Illinois 173, and the owner’s name is sure to be familiar.

Olive Kitchen and Cocktails, 1001 W. Lane Road, in Machesney Park had a soft opening last week and a busy first weekend, said Mike Muzzarelli, one of the restaurant’s managers. Muzzarelli is also the food and beverage director at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center.

High-profile businessman Sunil Puri, president of First Rockford Group, owns Olive, which is his first dining venture outside of the Radisson, which houses the Forest City Pub.

Olive’s restaurant features mostly American fare, like sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, pasta dishes and steaks. Muzzarelli said a special breaded olive appetizer, club sandwich and Friday night prime rib special have been the most popular dishes so far.

The restaurant does have a banquet room that can hold about 90 people, so Muzzarelli said Olive will be available for small parties and do catering.

Check out more about Olive at oliveat173.com or call 815-316-3333.