Anthony's Restaurant Blames Media For Ongoing Troubles

JOLIET, IL - A Joliet liquor establishment and restaurant near the Louis Joliet Mall that has been the scene of multiple early morning fist fights and two incidents of open gunfire since February, is now lashing out at the Joliet press for its recent woes. Owners and operators of Anthony's Restaurant & Pub had been keeping a low profile after their latest problems in the 3100 block of Voyager Lane prompted Joliet's liquor commission to intervene. On Sunday, July 23, a man and woman were shot in their legs, another woman was knocked unconscious during a fight and a third woman suffered stab wounds to her face. Additionally, a few parked vehicles were sprayed with bullets. Joliet police said the incident began in the Anthony's parking lot around 2:40 a.m. and ultimately spilled over into the Toys R Us parking lot across from Anthony's.

Last week, Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk issued a statement announcing that Anthony's can no longer have any live music entertainment and that Anthony's can no longer stay open until 3 a.m. on the weekends. Anthony's now must close its doors by 2 a.m. on weekends.

On Monday, after two weekends of operating under restricted hours and no more live music, Anthony's took to its Facebook page to lash out against the Joliet press.

"Without exception, the Hohlastos family and the employees of Anthony's unequivocally condemn all unlawful behavior. While the local print and internet based media have sought to sensationalize the events at Anthony's with headlines trying to sell papers or encourage clicks, they have largely ignored the violence that plagues our city and the utter contempt and disrespect many have exhibited toward law enforcement," a portion of the Anthony's statement reflects.

"Our father, Samy, arrived in Joliet over 45 years ago. After many years of labor in a factory, he decided to take a risk by opening a tiny neighborhood pub. Samy enjoyed providing for his family, entertaining his community and ultimately achieved the American dream. Today our mother, my brothers and myself are keeping this dream alive," the statement by the Hohlastos Family continued.

Anthony's said it will continue to provide "a family friendly environment for our fellow citizens," providing "delicious food in generous portions at very reasonable prices."

"We sincerely hope that, out of this hardship, the result will be a better future for Anthony's and the city we call home. Please support us in the upcoming weeks as we look to host charitable events and honor the many heroes of our community."

To read the full statement go here.

Anthony's patron Patricia Polhemus responded on Facebook, "Congratulations ANTHONY'S! You rose above all the crap flying your way (media and opinions) and shown yourself to really care about your customers. I wish you all the best. You have a wonderful outdoor area and the food has always been yummy!"

Wilmington resident Eric Peterson echoed similar sentiments in his comments he posted on Facebook. "In this day and age of hiding and being PC ... the fact that you guys address the problem makes you stellar in my book. Keep up the good fight. You don't have to be open until 3 a.m. to serve quality. You know this. Cheers to the future!"

Has Anthony's turned the corner and put its problems in the past? That remains to be seen.

The most recent scuffle and non-fatal shooting of two people near the Toys R Us parking lot was hardly the first time Joliet's squad cars have rolled up to Anthony since April, when the weather's improved.

Here's a brief synopsis of several incidents where officers at the Joliet Police Department compiled a written report summarizing the offense in question:

July 3 Police make a report at 11:46 a.m. regarding a criminal incident involving battery.

June 24 Police respond at 2:44 a.m. to a disturbance call at Anthony's. Police make a report, noting that the people involved were gone before officers arrived.

June 18 Police respond at 1:05 a.m. to a battery.

May 28 Police respond to a battery call at 9:19 p.m.

May 7 Police respond to an aggravated assault at 2:34 a.m.

April 26 Police respond at 1:12 a.m. to a call of criminal damage to property at Anthony's.

April 25 Police respond at 5:22 p.m. to an incident of battery.

April 2 Police respond to a report of an assault taking place at 2:59 a.m.

April 1 Police respond at 1:57 a.m. A summary of the incident indicates that someone tried to resist arrest, obstruct police and disarm the officer.

So far, the Joliet Police Department has not made any arrests in connection with the July 23 non-fatal shootings nor the February shooting that happened in the Anthony's parking lot.

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