Old Joliet Bar May Get New Life As Party-Supply Store

JOLIET, IL - The Joliet City Council is expected to vote whether to approve a zoning variance so Jaime and Norma Martinez can convert a vacant neighborhood tavern at 1214 North Raynor Avenue into a party supply store and carryout restaurant. The city administration has recommended approval. The matter is Tuesday's council meeting agenda, which starts at 6:30 p.m.

The brick building on Raynor Avenue was built during the 1940s and it served as a tavern for decades. Back in the early 1980s, the city approved a zoning variance to allow the bar to remain open. At that time, the bar was called My Three Sons. In recent years, the bar was called Riley's Bleachers Pizza & Pub. However, the bar has sat vacant since Riley's Bleachers closed about three years ago, the city said.

According to a council memo, Jaime and Norma Martinez intend to sell dresses and accessories for First Communions and Baptisms as well as candy, soda, pinatas and other party supplies. "Tables, chairs and bouncy houses will be made available to rent for private parties off-site," city officials noted. On weekends, the two plan to cook food for carryout orders such as tamales, menudo, tortillas and quesadillas.

The city said the Martinez family plans to operate their business from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. "The petitioners expect to hire an additional two employees after being open for six months," the city said.

There is ample space in the asphalt parking lot for customers, the city said.

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