Crybabies Owner To Open New Bar At Former O'Charleys

JOLIET, IL — Karen Talmadge, who holds the liquor license for Crybabies Tap on Joliet's East Jackson Street, is hoping to acquire a Class A liquor license so she can open Mid Town Tap. Her new establishment wants to open at the former O'Charleys Irish Pub.

On Tuesday night, the Joliet City Council is expected to vote whether to approve a Class A liquor license transfer for the proposed Mid Town Tap.

Class A liquor licenses allow for package and premises sales of alcohol. Talmadge's new bar would open at 117 North Center St., which had been O'Charley's pub for decades until it closed in August.

According to an open government website, Talmadge is the current liquor license holder for Crybabies Tap, 435 East Jackson St.

In 2017, when Joliet Mayor Bob O'Dekirk reviewed Talmadge's Class B liquor license application for Crybabies, city documents indicated that Talmadge had approximately 15 years in the sales and service of alcoholic beverages.

Next Tuesday's City Council agenda now states that Talmadge has been associated with the sale and service of alcoholic beverages for 31 years. Tuesday's agenda item makes no mention of Talmadge's affiliation with Crybabies Tap.

O'Dekirk has recommended approval of the liquor license transfer, city documents state.