Empty Long John Silver's: Joliet's Next Redevelopment?

JOLIET, IL — In October, thousands of people in the Joliet area were surprised to learn the Long John Silver's fast-food restaurant — a mainstay on West Jefferson Street for decades — went out of business without any advanced notice.

No more hush puppies. No more Pacific cod. No more lobster bites.

Now, more than three months after the Long John Silver's locked its doors and removed its advertising signs, the property at 2421 West Jefferson St. remains empty.

Meanwhile, six blocks away, the former Boston Market restaurant at 1866 W. Jefferson St. came back to life this week.

After acquiring the Boston Market in January 2021, Evergreen Park restaurant owner Joe Haberkorn II remodeled it and his new Pop's Italian Beef & Sausage opened Monday.

During Wednesday's interview in City Hall, Joliet's economic development director Derek Conley said he's heard there's been strong interest in the Long John Silver's property.

Given the high volume of traffic along West Jefferson Street, Conley said he's strongly optimistic the Long John Silver's will be repurposed for another fast-food restaurant.

"Jefferson Street is a good location for restaurants," Conley said.

Conley could envision the vacant restaurant being remodeled, but more than likely, "it will probably be redeveloped," he said.

Does Conley have a specific fast-food chain he'd like to see open at the former Long John Silver's?

"Not one I'd say in particular," Conley responded.

What about you? Is there a favorite restaurant chain you've tried in Naperville, St. Charles or Arlington Heights that you'd welcome in Joliet?

Post your comments and suggestions at the bottom of this article or on the Joliet Patch Facebook page.

Who knows? Maybe your wish will come true.

After all, Joliet will be getting an Olive Garden restaurant in 2022.