Harolds Shrimp & Chicken Opens In Downtown Joliet

JOLIET, IL — Some people around Joliet hate to admit it, but downtown Joliet remains on the upswing. This week, another new business opened its doors and this is a restaurant a lot of people were excited to get. George Anderson opened his latest Harolds Chicken & Shrimp franchise in the Catholic Charities building, which is now owned by Joliet businessman John Bays.

Harolds is at 203 N. Ottawa St. There's plenty of off-street parking in the lot for the building near Joliet Street.

During Tuesday's interview, Anderson told Joliet Patch he wants to be known for his shrimp and his fish.

Here's a rundown of the key items available at the new Harolds:

Chicken. Gizzards. Jumbo Shrimp. Wings and Shrimp. Fried catfish. Catfish and Shrimp. Catfish and wings. Perch. Tilapia. There's desserts: cheesecake, banana pudding, cupcakes and cookies.

Joliet marks Anderson's fourth Harolds franchise. His others are in Downers Grove, Dolton and Miami Beach, Fla. He will open his fifth restaurant in St. Louis in February, he said.

Harolds does not want to be confused with being a fast-food McDonalds or Burger King.

"We always will have fresh food, just expect a 12-to-15-minute wait because everything is cooked fresh," Anderson told Joliet Patch.

If customers are in a rush, Anderson said, they should call ahead to place their order and have it ready for pickup. Joliet's new Harolds Shrimp & Chicken can be reached at 815- 280-5290.

Anderson said the inside of Harolds will always be clean and "I always have good customer service."

His restaurant features four television screens. On Tuesday, college football bowl games were playing as customers were eating or waiting to pick up their orders.

Anderson said he's aiming to have a large grand-opening ribbon cutting event for city officials and business dignitaries in February. Monday marked the soft opening.

Patch asked Anderson who will patronize Harolds.

He said he wants to attract the prison guards at the Stateville Correctional Center, staff from the Will County Jail, employees from Will County's Courthouse, people from across the street at Harrah's Casino & Hotel, officers at the Joliet Police Department and students from Joliet Junior College's Culinary Arts building and the University of St. Francis satellite campus.

"I feel like it's a prime location," Anderson said. "I think we've got the best chicken and shrimp in town."

He also wanted to thank Joliet real estate investor John Bays for the opportunity to expand his restaurant franchise into Joliet.

"I'm looking to do more things in the city of Joliet," Anderson added.

Do not show up at Harolds on New Year's Day. If you do, you will be disappointed.
The new restaurant will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1 in celebration of the holiday.

Harolds will return to its regular business hours Thursday, Jan. 2, Anderson said.

To learn more, check out the website for downtown Joliet's Harolds Shrimp & Chicken, which includes information about specials and ordering pickup.