Loves Park celebrates new Lino’s Mercato market with opening event

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Italian restaurant Lino’s celebrated the opening of its new Mercato by Lino’s market in Loves Park Monday.

The market, located next to Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, is made of shipping containers and features several local vendors.

Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury said the Mercato by Lino’s is just one of the latest developments in the city’s booming business economy.

“It’s bringing something that’s unique, but it’s also bringing an opportunity for businesses that don’t have to invest in a brick and mortar building; they can start with this and see how it goes before they end up investing in that brick and mortar,” Jury said.

Lino’s first started its Pasqua Mercato outdoor market on Sundays in 2019, outside its East State Street restaurant. The Mercato by Lino’s is an evolution of that concept.