Business & Tech

Inflatable Rat At Joliet's New Panera Bread

I.B.E.W. Local 176 told Joliet Patch the inflatable rat was also placed outside the new Panera Bread on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

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The inflatable rat greets motorists along Joliet's busy stretch of West Jefferson Street on Thursday, Jan. 2. (Photo by John Ferak, Joliet Patch Editor)
https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/22944156/20200102/013714/styles/patch_image/public/paneraratside___02133542839.jpg
The inflatable rat greets motorists along Joliet's busy stretch of West Jefferson Street on Thursday, Jan. 2. (Image via John Ferak/Joliet Patch )
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I.B.E.W. Local 176 is drawing attention to the new Panera Bread restaurant on Joliet's West Jefferson Street. (John Ferak/Patch)
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I.B.E.W. Local 176 is drawing attention to the new Panera Bread restaurant on Joliet's West Jefferson Street. (Image via John Ferak)

JOLIET, IL — Lots of motorists were honking their horns along West Jefferson Street Thursday morning, and it wasn't because of crazy drivers. A giant inflatable rat was placed near the soon-to-be opening Panera Bread restaurant.

The new business is near the Walmart and used to be an Applebee's Grill and Bar. Contractors have been renovating the building during the past several months.

This week, I.B.E.W. Local 176 placed a sign near its inflatable rat saying J.K. Electric does not have a contract with I.B.E.W. Local 176 nor does J.K. Electric employ any of its union members.

Find out what's happening in Jolietfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Banners around the property inform people that the Panera Bread will be opening soon and the new West Jefferson Street restaurant will also feature a drive-thru window for customers.

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