Ranch Liquors Changing Name In Joliet's Downtown

JOLIET, IL — Downtown Joliet's main liquor store, Ranch Liquors, is being sold to a new owner who plans to change the name of the business to Rica's Food & Liquor. The property is directly across the street from the new Will County Courthouse, and it's near Joliet's City Hall.

The liquor license transfer will go before Mayor Terry D'Arcy and his liquor commission for a public hearing at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 24.

The long-time owner of Ranch Liquors, Jack Bashir, told Joliet Patch that he will still be involved in operating the soon-to-be opening sit-down pizzeria that he expects to open around July. Celine's Pizza will open in the empty storefront next to his liquor store 81 Jefferson St.

The pizza place is named after his granddaughter.

Bashir first announced plans to open Celine's Pizza three years ago, in September 2020. The project has required extensive renovations to the building.

Besides pizza pies, Celine's Pizza plans to sell pizza by the slice, chicken wings and offer beer and wine products.

During the 2020 interview with Joliet Patch, Bashir said he believes a pizza and wings restaurant will be a great compliment to the new $215 million Will County Courthouse.

Bashir said he was thrilled to have his businesses directly across the street from the new 10-story, 38 courtroom county building that will draw several thousand visitors at least five days a week.