Syl's Announces Closing, Rockdale Restaurant Opened in 1946

ROCKDALE, IL — Syl's, which has been a Joliet area fine-dining restaurant institution since 1946, now faces an uncertain future as Maura Williams announced on Tuesday that Syl's is now closed under current management.

"It is with a heavy heart that we share that we are closing our doors under the current management. We thank you for allowing us to be such a special part of your lives over the years. We hope the memories shared with us will live on in your hearts," Williams announced on the Syl's Facebook page.

According to Google restaurant reviews, Syl's Restaurant & Lounge is now listed as "Temporarily Closed."

On Dec. 27, Syl's announced on Facebook that it would be closed just for one week, from Dec. 27 through Jan. 2, stating, "Wishing you the Happiest Holiday Season from all of us at Syl's We look forward to seeing you in the New Year."

However, Tuesday's announcement let everyone know that Syl's is not reopening in 2023.

In October, Patch reported that Don "Duke" Williams, a well-known figure in the Joliet area restaurant community and the owner of Syl's Restaurant & Lounge in Rockdale since 2019, died unexpectedly in the emergency room at St. Joe's hospital in Joliet.

Williams was 52 years old.

Located at 829 Moen Ave., on the outskirts of Joliet, Syl's had a well-earned reputation for elegant fine dining. Syl's was founded in 1946 by the Pekol family, and on Sept. 3, 2019, Don and Maura Williams took over the ownership.

"With over 25 years in the hospitality and catering industry, the Williams Family is committed to honoring the tradition of this renowned family establishment," Syl's announced at the time.

Williams was very well-known in Joliet's fine-dining arena. He ran the catering for the downtown Joliet Renaissance Center, and he previously did the catering at Joliet's Country Club.

From the Syl's Facebook page, here's a sampling of reaction to Tuesday's news about Syl's now being closed:

"Hate seeing this. You guys have taken care of us over and over. Good luck with everything in the future."

"Website says temporarily closed. What a lousy thing to do to people who purchased, or received, gift cards in December. I hope they make things right."

"If you were closing then why were you selling Gift Cards the week of Christmas?"

"Super sad I had my baby shower there in October 2013!"

"Oh wow! We love Syls! We’ve been going there for so many years. It’s totally understandable and I wish you and your family all the luck in your future endeavors. Will the restaurant be closing down for good? Or under a new management team."

"We are sorry to hear this but completely understand—thank you for the wonderful service and memories. Our hearts are with you and your family. All the best with what the future holds for you and yours."