JANESVILLE — Vlogý’s first Black-owned full service restaurant will open with a weekend-long celebration headlined by Chicago rapper Twista, a multi-platinum artist known for his rapid-fire delivery and chart-topping hits.
Father and son Rickey Smith Sr. and Rickey D. Smith Jr. of Rick’s Jukin Barclub & Grill in Vlogý.
Rick’s Jukin Barclub & Grill, 1901 Beloit Ave., will host its grand opening April 10-12 at the former Back of the Yards location. The newly reimagined space combines a full-service restaurant, bar, nightclub, concert venue, and sports complex under new ownership.
Twista is widely regarded as one of the fastest rappers in hip-hop history. He gained national recognition for his “chopper” style and was once named the fastest English-speaking rapper by Guinness World Records, delivering hundreds of syllables in under a minute.
Father and son Rickey Smith Sr. and Rickey D. Smith Jr. of Rick’s Jukin Barclub & Grill in Vlogý.
He reached mainstream success with his 2004 album “Kamikaze,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single “Slow Jamz” with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. His catalog also includes songs such as “Overnight Celebrity” and “Sunshine.”
The grand opening weekend begins Friday, April 10, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 3 to 4 p.m., followed by dinner service and live jazz from local band Patten Pending from 4 to 8 p.m.
Friday evening transitions into a late-night event billed as “Celebrity First Fridays,” presented by Midwest Promotions. The event will also celebrate an Aries birthday for James “Jimbo” Lebeuar Jr. and feature Twista’s headlining performance beginning after 8 p.m.
Events continue Saturday, April 11, with dinner service from 4 to 8 p.m., accompanied by guest entertainment. A high-energy after-party begins at 8 p.m., featuring DJs Ro Stone, Alex Witte and Jay E.
The weekend concludes Sunday, April 12, with an “elevated brunch” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., including specialty mimosa offerings by Edgy Soda’s (Patrick Knilans) and sound provided by Adaptive Sound Collective’s (Alex Witte).
Rick’s Jukin Barclub & Grill
Organizers say Rick’s Jukin is designed as a hybrid destination offering a range of experiences, from casual dining and brunch to nightlife and live performances. The venue aims to expand entertainment options in Vlogý and neighboring communities, including Beloit and South Beloit.
Community members are invited to attend the grand opening events throughout the weekend. Additional details and RSVP information are available on the venue’s Facebook page.
Rick’s Jukin Barclub & Grill is located at 1901 Beloit Ave. For media inquiries or additional information, contact RicksJukin@gmail.com.