Chevere Adds Breakfast, Thomas Gourmet Coffee

JOLIET, IL — The world as we know it has been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic and that's certainly true in downtown Joliet. Downtown's Rialto Square Theatre has had no live concerts since early March. Instead, the Rialto's giant rotunda has turned into Will County Traffic Court five days a week. In an effort to drum up more business from Will County's courts and others, downtown Joliet's Chevere Latin Cafe is offering a breakfast cuisine.

Signs promoting the new breakfast sandwiches are on several downtown city sidewalks. Cathy Ortiz, one of the representatives of Chevere, told Joliet Patch that the limited breakfast menu includes an egg, cheese and bacon bagel, a Cuban egg breakfast sandwich and a grilled cheese sandwich.

Chevere is also promoting the addition of Thomas Gourmet Coffee.

Ortiz said that Thomas Coffee has been roasted since 1905 and is located in St. Louis "but it's new to the Joliet area. We're trying to promote it as much as possible," she said.

Ortiz told Patch the expanded hours, the new breakfast sandwiches and Thomas Coffee are all part of Chevere's to remain afloat during the pandemic.

For the past four weeks, Chevere and other Joliet area restaurants have not been allowed to seat guests inside their restaurant because Will County's coronavirus cases spiked in August.

On a positive note, Chevere does have several outdoor tables in the Van Buren Plaza. However, last week's weather meant for a rough week of business.

"Last week was horrible with all the rain," Ortiz told Joliet Patch during Tuesday's interview. "Our message is, 'Can everyone support us in this difficult time?'"

The breakfast selections have prompted Chevere to change its hours of operation.

Chevere is now open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, it stays open until 8 p.m.

Chevere is currently closed Sunday and Monday. Its address is 81 N. Chicago St. It's right next to the new Cheesecakes by James.

"We're trying to get more business out of the courthouse," Ortiz said. "We need to get the word out (about the breakfast launch). A lot of people don't know yet."

Chevere has unveiled several $9.99 lunch menu specials, Ortiz said.

The specials are: Taco Tuesday: three tacos, rice and beans; Arepa Wednesday; Cuban Sandwich Thursday includes fries; and Burger Friday, which includes fries, and is a 100-percent Angus 8 oz burger.

Chevere's beverages include passion fruits, Venezulean Horchata, pop, bottled water and assorted coffees. For faster service, customers are urged to call ahead at 815-582-4353.