By Hillary Gavan
For StatelineBuisness

SOUTH BELOIT - Anthony (Tony) Peterson, his wife, Laura, along with Mick Radean purchased J & D's Primespot, 482 Gardner, South Beloit on Jan. 31. They have renamed the restaurant Mick & Tony's Eatery and Pub.

"We've been friends for 35 years and we like people," Peterson said.

Mick Radean is the former owner of the Rockton Inn, 102 E. Main St., Rockton. Radean ran the establishment from 1978 to 1987 and hopes to bring some of the famous fish fries featured when he ran the Rockton Inn to Mick & Tony's.

Together the two hope to devote most of their time to the restaurant and make the food even better than it is now. By this summer they hope to offer space for pig roast parties and other outdoor events.

"We have a bar outside and volleyball courts," Radean said. "In the summer we will be able to offer barbecued ribs, Kentucky hams, pig roasts, barbecued chicken and more," Radean said.

Right now, in addition to daily lunch specials, the restaurant offers all-you-can-eat fish fries on Fridays and prime rib on Saturdays. Breakfast is served on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As soon as the bathrooms are remodeled, the new owners will move the stage to the front of the pub.

In the future, the two are planning to expand the dining hall and add space for a lounge. They hope to offer jazz evenings when that renovation is complete.

The owners said that the same staff from J & D's is working at the pub with new members coming in. The vision for the new business, however, is to be a one-stop shop for entertainment and quality food.

"People can come in, have dinner, have a drink at the bar and can stay here for a whole night of entertainment," Radean said.

Radean said he ran an electrostatic painting company after he sold the Rockton Inn. His company is responsible for painting White Avenue and Henry Avenue bridges. Peterson started out as a paramedic and then he worked as a manager of trucking companies. Then he pursued a Masters Degree in healthcare administration.

When Peterson said he wanted to buy J & D's in South Beloit, Radean was thrilled to meet all the great customers.

Both Radean and Peterson want to be part of the community. They hope to hold fundraisers for local police and fire departments as well as sports teams in the area.

Monday and Tuesday there are line dancing lessons at 7:30 p.m.

General hours are 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Monday through Saturdays and 10 a.m. - midnight Sundays.