‘I just love the area’: Passion pushes restaurateur to revive downtown Rockford

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford restaurateur and chef Paul Sletten’s passion for cuisine and downtown has created multiple restaurants, starting a revival in the area.

Today, the restaurant owner is celebrating the first anniversary of Disco Chicken, the newest restaurant in his portfolio. Sletten also owns Abreo and Social in the downtown area.

Sletten cites passion as the reason for his businesses becoming beloved.

I love seeing people walk into the place [and the] downtown energy,” Sletten explained. “You can’t replace it. I just really want to see downtown succeed, and I want places for my kids to go when they’re older.”

The multi-business owner does not keep all the glory for himself. He shares his success with his employees, providing them with important benefits.

“They have… life insurance plan, health benefits… retirement plans,” Sletten continued. “Now, we’re having staff make really great money… So, I’m proud that the industry is creating a lifestyle for people.”

His love for the business and employees is felt in every restaurant.

“Paul never cuts any corners. He’s the hardest-working guy in the business,” said Manager Steven Crick. “Everything from the food to the drinks. There’s definitely an attention to detail in everything when it comes to how we treat our guests hospitality-wise, how we prepare our food.”

Sletten’s passion continues to expand downtown as he gears up to open Harvey Wallbangers on State Street. The restaurant will be in the building formerly known as the Irish Rose.

“Hopefully will be, soft opening here in a couple of weeks or so. [The] food’s going to be really classic, steaks, chops, seafood and pasta,” Sletten said. “We’re not really changing the interior look a lot from what it was when it was Irish Rose.”

The restaurateur said he could not run these eateries alone, thanking his family and team for helping make the restaurants thrive.