Joliet Restaurant Group Tops 30,000 Facebook Members

JOLIET, IL — This week marks the two-year anniversary since Joliet businessman Brian Bessler launched the Joliet Area Bar & Restaurant Guide on Facebook. Bessler's group recently topped 30,000 members from Joliet and 74 surrounding communities.

Bessler said he runs the Facebook group with help from seven dedicated moderators.

So, how popular is the Joliet Area Bar & Restaurant Guide?

• Averages more than 100 Facebook posts per day to promote local restaurants.
• Generates more than 1 million monthly Facebook post views.
• Gets 100,000 monthly Facebook post interactions

Who is Brian Bessler?

• Owner of Moonstop Productions in Joliet for 23 years.
• Real estate broker with Karges Realty in Joliet for 14 years.
• Political candidate for Will County Board, District 7. He's running as a Democrat.

Why did Bessler launch the Joliet restaurant group on Facebook?

According to Bessler, in March of 2020, as the Joliet area, much like every other community across the country began to shut down for COVID-related closings, he had friends and small business owners that were scared.

On their personal social media pages, they were posting that traffic to restaurants had stopped, and they feared they may have to close for good if something didn't change quickly. They simply did not have a large enough social media following to survive off the sales that they could generate through their existing followers, and no extra money to put into marketing. At the same time, another restaurant decided to temporarily close and donate all of its existing food to hospital workers and first responders as a way to thank them for putting their lives at risk when little was known about the pandemic.

What happened next?

From those two situations, Bessler said he created what would later be called "The Joliet Area Bar and Restaurant Guide" to help build a larger network to post and promote area restaurants, keep group members aware of ever-changing hours, COVID-related closures and re-openings as well as putting a face to local business. The group grew quickly gained over 3,000 followers in the first week.

When you think of one or two Joliet- area restaurants that have really adapted well since the pandemic, who comes to mind and why?

"It’s quite incredible how some of our favorite area restaurants adapted to survive during the early days of COVID," Bessler said. "They changed their entire business model around and really started embracing social media marketing while switching to a carryout only based menu. Sit down restaurants like Syl’s, The Dock At Inwood, Al’s Steakhouse, Merichka's and Hamburgerseria literally changed everything and found a way to not only survive, but thrive and grow their customer base."

What stories or Facebook posts by your members seem to draw the most engagement?

"So many come to mind, but I think my favorite story was on “Hey! Hot Dog,” Bessler said. "A group member made a really touching request to support Hey! Hot Dog. B.J., the owner, had taken on the full responsibilities of the small Joliet hot dog stand and was visibly worried about the future of the business. The post had an incredible response, and Joliet did what Joliet does. They came together in tremendous support of a local favorite, with lines out the parking lot in the days following."

What is the hardest part about running the Joliet restaurant Facebook page?

"The biggest challenge is trying to keep a positive tone," Bessler explained. "The group was created in support of local restaurants and with the assistance of seven amazing group moderators, we try to keep the group a fun and positive place to support local.

"We encourage members to reach out to the restaurants directly with problems rather than complain on social media. Mistakes happen, and the overwhelming majority of business owners want to make things right for their customers."

Did the group's focus change once COVID vaccinations became available?

Bessler said when the COVID-19 vaccination became available, his restaurant group worked to create a local hub to help people who may not have been comfortable with online scheduling and post current availability for vaccinations throughout the state.

Additionally, local businesses and organizations worked together to provide 3,500 snacks, drinks and coffee pods to area vaccination clinics. Three additional sister groups were also created: "Joliet Area Small Business Guide," "Joliet Area Family Fun Guide" and "The Breakroom: Joliet Area Bar and Restaurant Guide." Bessler said the last group is a place for restaurant owners and employees to discuss industry issues, available grants, bulk supply buys, etc.

Are you surprised by all the buzz and hoopla when Raising Cane's opened March 8 and Portillo's Pickup on Feb. 1? And do you think those additions will lead to other restaurant closings?

"Anytime a well-known restaurant brand comes to the area, generally, it’s a good thing," Bessler said. "It brings investment to our community, jobs and tax dollars along with it. However, independent restaurants are truly the heart and soul of a community and especially in these challenging times need all the local support they can get. I really feel like each restaurant, be it independent or chain that keeps residents supporting the local economy or brings new visitors to our area is a good thing. The Joliet area is large enough and diverse enough to support them all."