Valle's Produce Reopens After Looting, Arson

JOLIET, IL — A Mexican grocery store on West Jefferson Street that went up in flames during Joliet's night of widespread looting and street violence May 31 has reopened this week.

Valle's Produce opened Monday afternoon after being closed the entire months of June and July for major repairs.

The Joliet Fire Department indicated the blaze at Valle's Produce was the work of arsonists who broke into the grocery store during the late night hours of May 31 and set the business on fire. In the aftermath of the terrible fire, the Joliet area stepped up, donating $27,906 as part of a GoFundMe effort to help the family-owned grocery make a comeback.

On Tuesday morning, a consistent crowd of a half dozen customers were coming and going from Valle's Produce, 704 W. Jefferson St. The grocery store is next to the Saint Patrick's Cemetery.

Joliet Patch interviewed Cesar Trujillo, who owns the grocery store along with his wife, Heidi, and her brother, Aldo Valle.

Cesar Trujillo said it's important to give a big thanks to all the people in the Joliet community who came forward to help Valle's clean up and rebuild their store, following the arson.

A total of 824 people donated money to the GoFundMe fund-raiser.

"Thanks to all the people," Cesar Trujillo told Joliet Patch during Tuesday's interview at the store. "I like to see the people back."

Valle's Produce is known for its fresh meats, fruits and vegetables. Valle's Produce also carries several salsas along with ice cream, soft drinks, cookies, milk and household supplies including soaps and detergents.

"People look for the tamales," the store owner said. "Everything is fresh."

Valle's Produce is staying open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday, its owner said.