Chevere Latin Cafe Doubling Its Space In Joliet's Downtown

JOLIET, IL — The relocation of Sue Regis Glass Art to a larger storefront facing the Joliet Public Library will also be good fortune for people who enjoy downtown Joliet's unique Latin cuisine. Chevere Latin Cafe opened in April 2017 inside the four-story building at 81 North Chicago St., next to the University of St. Francis satellite campus. Many new restaurants fail within six months to a year, but Chevere Latin Cafe is off to a good start.

Restaurant owners Armando and Teresa Malave recently signed a three-year extension on their property lease. And now, Chevere Latin Cafe is in the midst of a significant addition. Chevere will be doubling its space, expanding next door into the former art studio of Regis.

Steve Perillo, one of the property investors of 81 North Chicago Street, told Joliet Patch last week that Chevere Latin Cafe has been a fantastic addition for downtown Joliet, and he is thrilled to see them expanding the size of their restaurant.

He said the restaurant has developed quite a following of loyal customers, particularly from people who work at the Will County Courthouse.

Their food is not Mexican, Perillo stressed, it's authentic Latin-Venezuelan style cuisine.
Teresa Malave trained as chef in Venezuela, he explained.

"Teresa's cooking is just outstanding," Perillo told Patch last week. "Teresa and Armando are great tenants, just amazing people."

The ongoing addition will allow Chevere to double its seating space for customers, inside and on the outdoor patio. When the work is finished, the Latin-Venezuelan restaurant will have the space to host corporate office parties, baby showers and social gatherings for local law firms.

The renovations should be finished by the early part of October, Perillo said.

As far as their expansion goes, Perillo said, "I really think it will be a success."

According to its Facebook page, Chevere has a 4.8 rating out of 209 customer reviews.

For more, check out the menu for Chevere Latin Cafe here.