Joliet's Olive Garden: Key Decision Awaits City Hall

JOLIET, IL — Before you are able to open a bottle of fine wine in the coming weeks at Joliet's new Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Joliet officials must give their stamp approval.

One hurdle that Olive Garden must clear takes place at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Joliet's City Hall. Mayor Bob O'Dekirk and his fellow liquor commissioners will review Olive Garden's petition seeking a liquor license for its property at 16337 South Boulevard Place.

On Friday, Joliet Patch visited the Olive Garden construction site, which is in front of the busy Costco store near the Interstate 55 exit and Route 30.

Last fall, Patch reported that construction workers were aiming to have the Olive Garden finished sometime in February. Even after the restaurant is built, it may take several more weeks before the Olive Garden is ready to hold its long-awaited grand opening celebration. The national restaurant company still needs time to hire and train its employees.

According to the company's website, "Olive Garden is the leading restaurant in the Italian dining segment with more than 800 restaurants, more than 96,000 employees and more than $3.8 billion in annual sales."

What kind of reputation does Olive Garden have in Will County?

The nearest Olive Garden, in Bolingbrook on South Weber Road, has a staggering 2,477 Google Reviews, averaging 4.2 stars out of 5 stars.

Wednesday's 9 a.m. public hearing at Joliet's City Hall for the mayor's liquor commission contains the following agenda:

• 9 a.m. Michalene's Liquors, 692 Theodore Street, Transfer of a Class "C" Liquor License.
• 9:15 a.m. Fireman Ted's Bar & Grill, 2771 Black Road, Transfer of a Class "B" Liquor License.
• 9:30 a.m., John's Beverage, 3001 W. Jefferson St., Transfer of a Class "C" Liquor License.
• 9:45 a.m. is when the Olive Garden liquor license is up for discussion.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Joliet: You Finally Got An Olive Garden, Now What?

Joliet's Olive Garden: Here's When It Should Open

Olive Garden Plans Joliet Restaurant Opening In 2022