When the push to redevelop downtown Rockford began more than 15 years ago, new bars, restaurants, salons and shops started opening in the heart of the city.
Even after a major recession and a global pandemic, many of those establishments are still open. But that’s not to say things haven’t changed.
Some recent additions share a unique trait. They’re all side hustles.
There are about a dozen businesses in downtown Rockford that are run by someone who also has another job. Owners of those businesses are part of a growing gig economy that started with companies like DoorDash, Airbnb and Uber and has been growing rapidly in the last dozen or so years.
Today, side hustlers are still renting out their homes for cash and driving for Uber, but they’re also opening brick-and-mortar businesses while keeping their full-time jobs for a variety of reasons.
“What I enjoy about having my business and a full-time job is the endless opportunities of learning new things,” said Judith Goudy, co-owner of Juju Rey’s Art Clubhouse at 324 E. State St.