Oldest Business in Channahon Still Successful

In the 1970s, the crew from Al's Garage and Welding paired up with George and Fred Appleton of in Minooka to design and revolutionize a race car.

Larry Schuler of Minooka raced the “Junkyard Dog” and took three championships in three states. Schuler was the nation’s winningest racer in 1976.

“(Schuler) hasn’t given (racing) up yet,” Jim Anderson said. “ He will be racing this year at the Grundy County Speedway.”

But that was hardly when Al's began.

The business first opened as Al’s Garage and Welding when Al Anderson built the garage in 1947. Welding of auto parts and mechanic work continued until 1973.

In 1978, Jim Anderson and his wife Doris took over the business and renamed it , carrying on and respecting his father’s name. Al passed away in 1999.

On Feb. 3, Channahon Village President Joe Cook presented Al's Garage and Auto Salvage with the 2011 Fred Rittoff/George Sparagis Award for Business. Cook also recognized Al’s as the oldest family owned business in the village. Two businesses were honored at the State of the Village address. A second award was given to .

“It was a complete surprise to me,” Anderson said. “I thought I was just going to a lunch with a few people. I was shocked to see members of the Chamber of Commerce and County Board members present.”

Life-long dedication

Al's is located located one mile west of Interstate 55 at 24804 W Eames St.

“My location is unique because it has main access to I-55, I-80 and Route 6,” owner Anderson said. “My business is mainly by word-of-mouth.”

And those “word-of-mouth” recommendations have allowed Al’s to succeed in business for 64 years.

With the exception of five years serving in the U.S. Air Force, Anderson has worked at Al’s his entire life. His wife takes care of the finances for the business.

Anderson, 68, and his wife live in the home that is next door to the business. He and his five siblings were raised in the two-bedroom home. In 1973, his parents moved to an apartment in Joliet and he and his wife bought the home. There they raised three daughters.

Even though business has slowed down over the years, Anderson said his “Ma-and-Pop” business is still doing well.

Eventually though, the business will be sold one day. Anderson said the location is ideal for investing in businesses. Unfortunately, he said none of his daughters are interested in pursuing the business.

“I still enjoy it and I’m making money,” Anderson said. “I’m enjoying my semi-retirement years."

Editor's Note: Watch for a story on Channahon Ranch Pharmacy and Linda's Hallmark in the coming week.