O'Dekirk Campaign Donor Plans To Sell Alcohol At New Gas Station

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet City Council is expected to vote at Tuesday's 6:30 p.m. meeting on a Class C liquor license for the new Food N Fuel under construction at the corner of Route 6 and Hollywood Boulevard.

The new gas station is across the street from where Joliet's much publicized new Houbolt Road truck toll bridge is being built.

If approved, the Class C liquor license will allow Lenny McEnery to sell packaged goods at 3201 Channahon Road, his new Joliet gas station nearing completion. McEnery has been involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages for 30 years, and he is of good character, city documents show.

Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans indicated he did not foresee any problems if the City Council approves the liquor license.

In May 2022, Joliet's Council approved a special use permit to allow for the Food N Fuel business along Route 6. The four-lane truck bridge is expected to be finished this spring.

Joliet Patch has previously reported that McEnery's gas stations are among Mayor Bob O'Dekirk's largest campaign contributors to Citizens for O'Dekirk, which currently has an available campaign war chest of $229,503, according to the Illinois Sunshine database.

Lenny's Food N Fuel has donated $7,700 to O'Dekirk over the years, and its latest political contribution came Sept. 28.

The Lenny's Gas N Wash at Theodore and Drauden also has donated $7,500 to O'Dekirk's campaign over the years, and its last donation was also Sept. 28.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Here Are Joliet Mayor's Top Donors For His Re-Election Campaign

Joliet's 1st Gas Station West Of Route 59 Opens: Photos