New Banquet Facility Chapin's East Fills Void in Minooka

residents have been without an in-town banquet facility since The Fountains closed. Today, though, they have an option that will host 350 people for a wedding reception and up to 400 for an event.

The facility, now Chapin's East, has been completely updated.

The Fountains had been closed for a while and the decor was dated when the renovations began.

"When we all first saw it, we knew that we were going to have to have vision," Sarah O'Sullivan, banquet/catering general manager and event director said. "The colors that we chose are colors that can really go with any type of palate. Anyone who comes here, it would work for them."

Chapin's East has already hosted a business after-hours in January along with other community-focused events, including the Trivia Night late last year.

O'Sullivan said she knows some members of the community were surprised to see a business expand in this economy.

"I think people have been pretty shocked with the economy being what it is," she said. "The need for a banquet hall is here no matter what."

Chapin's Restaurant is in neighboring Morris and owned by husband and wife, Scott and Dianne Breslar. Patch has visited the original Chapin's on occasion and enjoyed the The facility in Minooka is a banquet facility, although there is now a bar attached and lunch is served there five days a week.

The Twin Rails Pub is closed Sunday and Monday, but open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

"It's not a full service restaurant like Chapin's would be," O'Sullivan said. "It's a pub that serves food, but it's a nice menu for a pub menu. I think the most expensive item we have is $12. It's the ribeye sandwich."

Editor's Note: Want to eat at Twin Rails Pub for free? Email Local Editor Dawn Aulet and join me for