Ever since the announcement was made that Hard Rock was planning on using Giovanni's as their temporary casino site I have wondered what will be happening to Giovanni's banquet services. It seems like everyday some kind of event is taking place in the banquet rooms there, so are they just taking a break from weddings and events until the Hard Rock Rockford's Casino and Convention Center is finished and officially open?

No, they are just moving their banquet services to other locations in Rockford. Giovanni's owner Joe Castrogiovanni recently told WIFR;

We're going to start working with our clients and moving events to the different facilities in Rockford, we want to work closely with the park district."

As they work together with park district officials, Castrogiovanni says many of the events will relocate to the Rockford Bank and Trust Pavilion at the Aldeen Golf Club.

The Illinois Gaming Board has up to 12 months to to approve Hard Rock Rockford's casino license, so the changes won't happen immediately, but several plans are already in place. Castrogiovanni also told WIFR that other convention spaces have offered to help carry the load as well.

 

"We'll be working with the Radisson, we'll be working with Franchesco's, Cliffbreakers and obviously the new Embassy Suites in downtown.

 

So the last question that remains is, what happens to Giovanni's after the temporary casino is no longer needed? Castrogiovanni says;

We'll be reopening as either Giovanni's Banquet and Convention Center, or the Hard Rock Convention Center."

Catch Lil Zim on 'Q98.5 Mornings with Lil Zim and JB' 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

 

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