Syl's Gift Cardholders: Great American Bagel Will Help You Out

JOLIET, IL — One week after the sad and unexpected announcement that the Syl's Restaurant & Lounge in Rockdale has permanently closed, the owner of the Great American Bagel on Joliet's Essington Road is willing to help Syl's customers who were caught by surprise at the announcement.

After last week's news that Syl's will no longer be open in 2023, three months after the fatal heart attack of Syl's owner, Don "Duke" Williams, 52, many of the Syl's customer base gravitated to Facebook to complain how they had purchased Syl's gift cards as Christmas gifts for family and friends.

What are they to do now that Syl's has gone out of business?

On Monday morning, Tom Grotovsky, owner of Great American Bagel, wanted everyone to know they can bring their Syl's gift cards to his restaurant and he will give them free bagels and cream cheese in exchange for their gift certificates from Syl's.

"When something happens in your life that is a game changer, it takes time to get your head back on your shoulders," Grotovsky posted on Facebook. "In 1980, I lost my 46-year-old mother to a heart attack as she slept. I understand how life changes immediately.

"With this being said, I am willing to help a dear friend whose life has changed dramatically due to the same type of personal loss."

Grotovsky urged Syl's giftcard holders to call his cell phone if they want to discuss things: 815-378-2169.

During Monday's phone interview, Grotovsky said he just wanted to help out. He also said it's his understanding that Maura "Mo" Williams will be making an announcement in the coming days for Syl's customers who had purchased gift cards prior to her restaurant's closing.

"I just want to help other people that deserve it. I'm getting nothing out of it," Grotovsky told Patch. "Unfortunately, when Duke passed away, it changed Mo's life. I'm not doing this for publicity. I'm just willing to help out Mo. I'm doing it for Mo and Don and their children.

"As fellow business owners, we have a great town, and we have to rely on each other."

In October, Joliet 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.

In Monday's Facebook post, the owner of Great American Bagel asked that if anyone has a Syl's gift certificate, they should contact him at his restaurant at 1101 Essington Road and "I will offer you bagels and cream cheese in exchange for your gift certificates. I am just trying to ease some stress from a friend's shoulders and look out for our great community."

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Syl's Announces Closing, Rockdale Restaurant Opened in 1946

Obituary: Donald "Duke" Williams