Joliet Getting New Banquet Hall Called Ohio Banquets

JOLIET, IL — A year ago, the Ohio Street Commons strip mall looked like a ghost town. Niko's Pizzeria was the only business open. All the other storefronts were empty. Then, in November, Korinna Hernandez and her family opened Tamales Korinna at 30 Ohio St. Now. Sergio Aguilar plans to open his Ohio Banquets facility this spring.

Aguilar will fill the space at 22-28 Ohio St. The property has remained empty since 2017. Before, the property was known as Hacienda Banquet.

"Hacienda Banquet is a very Mexican name," Aguilar said. "I want to make sure that everyone feels welcome, they'll feel comfortable coming here."

And that's partly why he came up with the name and graphic designs for Ohio Banquets, to appeal to more of a broader population of people across Joliet and the entire region.

Aguilar stressed that Ohio Banquets is focused on serving the needs of all ages and all races in the Joliet area, not just people who are Hispanic.

Last week, crews were painting the walls for the future Ohio Banquets, which is nestled between two small family-run restaurants, Tamales Korinna and Niko's Pizzeria.

"There's no construction," Aguilar said. "It was a banquet room. Everything is pretty much done. The place is already nice."

Aguilar said he has ordered new furniture, furnishings and candle lighting for Ohio Banquets and has applied to the city of Joliet for a liquor license. Aguilar said he and his wife have a small printing company as well as a graphic arts advertising business. They just launched their website last week in hopes of filling the 2022 calendar with several banquet events for Ohio Banquets.

"Completely remodeled, impeccable service, and modern elegance for your event," the website reads.

During last week's interview, Joliet Patch asked Aguilar when he would like to be open.

"I'm thinking April," he answered.

Ohio Banquets will be available to rent for birthday parties, wedding receptions and corporate events, Aguilar said.

"It's 5,000 square feet. We can easily (accommodate) a little over 200 people."

Aguilar pointed out there is a large parking lot across the street from the Ohio Street Commons on North Scott Street for overflowing parking.

Aguilar moved to Joliet three years ago after living in Arlington Heights.

Years ago, he said, he worked as a bartender at some of Chicago's most well-known nightclubs, including The Excalibur and the Crowbar.

Aguilar said he loves the city of Joliet and is excited about achieving his dream of opening Ohio Banquets.

"I fell in love with the city and ... owning a banquet (hall) is a dream," he said. "We're living the dream right now. If this goes well, we will try to open another new concept.

"We're not going to cut corners on the banquet hall," he continued. "Hopefully, this will be a dream creator."