Engines rev in Rosemont entertainment district

The growing Rosemont entertainment district continues to rev its engines, figuratively and literally.

The formal grand opening of a two-story, 20,000-square-foot Harley-Davidson dealership Tuesday, Sept. 17, is the latest sign of growth at Parkway Bank Park, the daytime family destination and nighttime adult playpen next to the Tri-State Tollway.

The dealership, one of 19 run by Windy City Motorcycle Co. in the Chicago area and southeast Wisconsin, offers bikes for sale, to rent or tour. You can also learn how to ride at a "Riding Academy," and select from an array of Harley-branded merchandise in the store.

Meanwhile, construction is wrapping up on the one-story, 6,000-square-foot Pete's Dueling Piano Bar, with a planned grand opening Oct. 16. Featuring nightly entertainment from four performers rotating in and out on two baby grand pianos, the location will join Pete's four Texas bars in Austin, Addison, Fort Worth and Houston.

"We're ecstatic about having them," Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens said during his recent State of the Village address, when he provided updates on all the happenings in the entertainment park.

As the mayor announced in April, AMC plans to close six of its 18 theaters and market that portion of the property to another entertainment-type venue. It's part of a complete renovation of the movie house that opened in 2007.

Stephens also announced Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian steakhouse that opened in 2013, plans to reconfigure its dining room to add 80 more seats. The eatery recently inked a five-year lease renewal with the village.

"They just can't turn the folks over fast enough on that Thursday-through-Sunday crowd," he said.