7 Joliet Area Restaurant Giants Form Alliance: 1st Meeting Set

JOLIET, IL — September saw the loss of downtown Joliet's beloved Chicken-N-Spice restaurant on North Chicago Street. Since then, Chefy's Kitchen announced it's closing this month on Plainfield Road. Also, on Plainfield Road, the Russo's Authentic Italian Deli & Cafe in Crest Hill is going out of business, on the verge of its one-year anniversary.

Even the national chains are bailing on Joliet. This week, Joliet's only Long John Silver's restaurant posted a "CLOSED" sign in its windows and removed its menu from the drive-thru.

But all is not doom and gloom for Joliet's restaurants and bars.

After all, Mike Paone of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce just announced the new Joliet Region Food and Beverage Association has been established.

He said interest surfaced about forming a strong and unified voice from the food and beverage industry in the Joliet region due to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Joliet food and beverage association will include:

• Cemeno's Pizza, Sue Schultz
• Al's Steakhouse - George Daskalakis
• Great American Bagel - Tom Grotovsky
• Cut 158 Chophouse/Hamburgerseria/etc. - Bill Dimitroulas
• Heroes West - Joe Colkinis
• Jacob Henry Estate - Sue Bornhofen
• Syl's/Renaissance Center - Don Williams

Paone said the mission of the JRFBA is to bring leaders from the food and beverage industry together to collaborate, share best practices, advocate for industry needs and priorities, and drive economic growth.

On Thursday, the owner of Al's Steakhouse told Joliet Patch he is very happy to see the organization form and get up and running.

"I think the more restaurateurs that get together, the more the power," Daskalakis told Joliet Patch's editor. "I definitely think there is a benefit to all the restaurateurs having a camaraderie with a goal to unify ... and have a voice."

The JRFBA will be open to chamber members and non-members, just like the Joliet Chamber's current sub-group structures.

Paone said a board of directors will meet on a monthly basis to ensure the mission of the group is being carried out through various programs and events for their members.

“All of those involved in running an establishment know quite well both the challenges and enjoyment that come with being in the industry. This group will bring individuals together to form bonds, use our resources to tackle tough issues, unleash talents, and support all in a way that we can collectively rise to the top of our profession,” remarked Tom Grotovsky of the Great American Bagel on Essington Road in the Chamber's news release.

The first major event for the new Joliet restaurant group is set for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 26, at Heroes West, 1530 Commerce Lane in Joliet.

The event will feature appetizers and a cash bar with a program scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. featuring comments from Joliet Chamber President Jen Howard, JRFBA leadership, and other guests.

Interested businesses in the community can find more information by calling 815-727-5371, Paone said.