Short-Lived Joliet Restaurant Holds 'Everything Must Go Sale'

JOLIET, IL — A sit-down Joliet restaurant on Ruby Street is now holding an "Everything Must Go Sale" on Thursday and Friday.

According to the Facebook announcement from the Magpie's Joy of Eating, the two-day sale includes tables, chairs, plates, glassware and kitchen equipment, both new and used.

The two-day sale goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Thursday and Friday and people are encouraged to "come and take advantage of these incredible deals. Cash and carry, 753 Ruby Street, Joliet."

Last June, the restaurant faced backlash for voicing support for protesters at the anti-Donald Trump "No Kings" rallies in the area. Magpie's Joy of Eating posted the following announcement in Brian Bessler's Joliet Area Bar and Restaurant Facebook group:

"This weekend, voices will rise in Joliet and we'll be listening. As the city comes together for the No Kings rally on June 14, know that Magpie's is here for you, just a few blocks away, with open doors, warm plates and a place to reflect, and reconnect."

Magpie's said their location at 753 Ruby St. was close to the rally route, telling demonstrators, "come as you are."

"We support peaceful expression and believe that sharing food and ideas is one of the oldest, most powerful forms of community care."

Meg Gillespie's announcement closed with five different hashtags: #MagpiesJoyOfEating #CommunityTable #JolietEvents #NoKings #AllAreWelcome

In January 2024, Gillespie opened her new sit-down restaurant, Magpie's Joy of Eating, at 753 1/2 Ruby Street, at the site of the former Thayer Brothers Deli.

Then, on Dec. 11, 2025, Joliet Patch broke the news, reporting that after announcing that her sit-down restaurant was "closed indefinitely" for the past several days, Meg Gillespie, daughter of Joliet sports legend Gordie Gillespie, has made it official. She took to Facebook, saying, "it is with sadness and heavy heart that I make this post. Magpie's Joy of Eating and Gordie's Thirty Buck will not be reopening."

Meg Gillespie added that "I am grateful to my team for walking beside me in this journey of love. Thank you to my family and friends old and new for your support, love, laughter and joy. Until we meet again."