Harolds: Huge Downtown Joliet Hit So Far

JOLIET, IL — Over the past 10 days, I've seen a lot more people walking downtown Joliet's sidewalks during the daytime even though it's the dead of winter. I've also noticed more vehicles parked along Cass Street. People are following their nose. Even without a strong gust of wind, the smell hits you as far away as the Joliet Renaissance Center. The powerful smell is coming from the new Harolds Shrimp And Chicken inside John Bays' Catholic Charities building.

Although the address for Harolds is 201-203 N. Ottawa St, the entrance is closer toward the Cass Street Bridge. One older woman told me Wednesday that she accidentally walked into the other building entrance doors, the ones for the Will County Center on Economic Development.

To say Harolds is off to a good start since opening Monday, Dec. 30 might be the understatement of the month. People around Joliet are definitely talking about Harolds.

At Tuesday night's meeting, Joliet City Councilwoman Bettye Gavin was urging everyone to patronize Harolds Shrimp and Chicken. She said it's a fantastic addition for Joliet and she's glad it's succeeding in the city's downtown.

"Please welcome them to Joliet. The food was fantastic ... Good food over there," she remarked.

Last week, Joliet community activist Bob Hernandez, who works nearby at Harrah's Casino, posted his own photo collage on Facebook. He commented how their chicken "was delicious."

Here's the deal, Joliet.

All the food is cooked fresh. That's the upside. But there is a downside.

If you can't stand to wait at least 12 to 15 minutes for your order, then save yourself a trip downtown because Harolds probably isn't for you. On the other hand, if you are in a time crunch, be smart about it. Call ahead with a carryout order. The number for carryout is 815-280-5290.

On Wednesday, I showed up after the lunch crowd rush, but it was still busy.

I placed my order at 1:32 p.m. I was order No. 64 for the day. Several more people came after me during the next half hour.

I went with the two-wing Snack Pack. It came with fries and a tiny cup of coleslaw. Last week, I had the jumbo shrimp and it was amazing. On Wednesday, my wings were terrific, too.

Later in the afternoon, I called George Anderson, Joliet's Harolds franchise owner. He was in Florida visiting one of his other Harolds restaurants, in Miami Beach.

Even though his Joliet business has been strong, Anderson was not ready to give himself a pat on the back. He told me the restaurant must get faster and cut down on the customer wait times.

On the windows are signs alerting visitors that Harolds needs more dependable help.
There's a job posting for a restaurant associate-cook that typically pays $12 to $15 per hour.
Another job opening is for a Cashier A that pays $9 to $12 per hour, the sign reads.

My lasting piece of advice for first-time Harolds Shrimp and Chicken customers is this: the food's going to be great, the restaurant staff is professional and courteous, but everybody's new here.

Be patient, be polite, and I think you'll be impressed with Harolds.