Charleys Cheesesteaks Coming To Joliet's Busiest Intersection

JOLIET, IL — It's been less than one full year since the Tony's Fresh Market grocery store opened for business at the former Kmart property along West Jefferson and Larkin Avenue, and now there's even more good news to share.

A Charleys Cheesesteak restaurant will be opening on the east side of the Tony's supermarket property, 1801 W. Jefferson St.

When the Tony's was built, a portion of the building was designed to attract other commercial tenants. In addition to Charleys, there will be an Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy. The opposite end of the former Kmart property features a Planet Fitness gym.

The Charleys and Ivy Rehab will be facing traffic along Larkin Avenue, across the street from the Mickey's Tire & Auto Service Centers. According to the company's website, there are more than 700 Charleys Cheesesteak restaurants in 46 states and 17 different countries.

According to the restaurant's website, Charleys was founded by Charley Shin, "who tasted his first Philly Cheesesteak back in 1985 while attending The Ohio State University ... After experimenting with countless ingredients and perfecting his recipe, Shin turned his entrepreneurial dreams into reality in 1986 when he opened his first restaurant called Charley’s Steakery, a 450-square foot space near The Ohio State University campus.

"With the support of his mother, Charley’s Steakery became an instant hit with college students who craved the made-fresh Philly Cheesesteaks, loaded Gourmet Fries and all-natural Lemonades."

There are at least two Charleys restaurants in Illinois so far. One is at the Junction Truckstop in Galesburg, and the other one opened south of Joliet along Interstate 55 at the Lorenzo Road exit for the Wilmington Petro Travel Plaza.

The following sandwiches are part of the Charleys menu:

• Chicken Buffalo
• Chicken California
• Steak Philly Cheesesteak
• Bacon 3 Cheesesteak
• Chicken Teriyaki
• Veggie Delight
• Chicken Philly

Charleys also offers sides, wings, frozen treats, drinks and catering.

To learn more, visit the Charleys website.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

'Gorgeous' Tony's Fresh Market: Joliet Celebrates Opening

Jefferson Street's Finest Hour? Tony's Fresh Market Opens For Joliet