Longtime downtown Rockford restaurant owner dies at 78

Mike Leifheit, co-owner of the Irish Rose Saloon in downtown Rockford, has died.

According to a Facebook post, Leifheit died Thursday, Feb. 8, after an extended illness. He had been receiving treatment at a memory-care facility since last year. He was 78.

"His family is especially grateful to Mike’s downtown friends, his wonderful staff, and all of our regulars for having helped Dad through a very difficult time last year," his son, Drew, said in a Facebook post.

A graduate of Harlem High School and Beloit College, Leifheit opened the Old Rock River Cafe and Deli in 1982 in the State and Madison building on the corner of State and Madison streets, which became downtown Rockford's "bar mall."

The cafe eventually added live entertainment and a back bar, the original Irish Rose Saloon.

More: Popular, long-standing downtown Rockford restaurant closes indefinitely

In 1990, Leifheit and ex-wife, Robin, who continued to work with him in the restaurant business, moved the operation to 519 E. State St., carrying on the Irish Rose name.

"Michael took special pride in making weekly trips into Chicago to procure the very best and freshest meat, produce and seafood," the post said. "The wonderful purveyors and restaurant owners he met at the market also provided him further inspiration/food for thought for his business."

The Irish Rose closed in February 2023 when Leifheit fell ill. A sale is reportedly pending.

Before opening a restaurant, Leifheit worked in the beverage business, running territories for RC Cola. He also wrote a weekly newspaper column, "Hanging Out in Rockford," for The Rock River Times.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Jim Hagerty writes about business, growth and development and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Longtime downtown Rockford restaurant owner dies at 78