Don Jose's Cantina And Taqueria To Close, Will Re-Open As Sports Bar 'ReUnion'

NEW LENOX, IL — Don Jose's Cantina and Taqueria in New Lenox is closing after a little less than two years in business, but the future of the space is already set.

The owner of Tinley Park sports bar Union Bar and Grill, with one of Don Jose's current owners, will rebrand it as a Union sister location, to be called ReUnion Bar and Grill. The Tinley Park location is nearing six years in business, Cortese said.

Don Jose's closing was announced on social media Friday, ahead of the deal's expected closing next week, said Anthony Cortese, owner of Union Bar and Grill. Don Jose's last day open will be Sunday, Jan. 18. It will then close for 4–6 weeks for a re-brand and remodel. Don Jose's staff members have all been kept on, the business said on social media.

Cortese spoke with Patch Friday evening to share what people can expect for the location at 1080 E. Lincoln Highway.

"It’s great," Cortese said, of the announcement being made and people wondering what's next. "It’s perfect timing."

Cortese will carry over much of the menu from Union—burgers, sandwiches, wings, rice bowls, salads and soups—with some modifications.

"Going to take hotdogs off the menu," Cortese said, "since we’re right in the middle of Joey’s Red Hots and Portillo’s."

He'll also add flatbreads and wraps, he said.

"We’re going to bring a quality bar atmosphere," Cortese said, "but higher quality food."

Friends Nick Iozzo, Anthony Nardo, with brothers Ryan and Chris Kucala opened Don Jose's in August 2024. Cortese and Ryan Kucala will now work together to rebrand the business as ReUnion, Cortese said.

"It’s going to be a sports bar, but with great food," Cortese said.

Cortese had been looking for a spot in New Lenox for several years, initially trying for the space that was previously Little Joe's and now occupied by Hog Wild, 1300 N. Cedar Rd.

Now he's eager to open in the space on Lincoln Highway.

"I’ve been looking for 3-4 years to put another location, in New Lenox," Cortese told Patch. "We negotiated, and came up with an agreement."

The interior will be redesigned, and Cortese said he plans on adding TVs throughout the bar, focusing on giving customers a place to catch a game. The area behind the bar will feature three, 90-inch TVs. The perimeter walls will feature 23, 75-inch TVs.

"There’s not a lot of places in New Lenox with great food, that are a great spot to watch spots," Cortese said.

Cortese also plans to bring customer favorites from the Tinley Park spot, including Tringo, a popular game night mashup combining trivia and Bingo. Rounds alternate between the two, with prizes between each round, and a grand prize of $1,000 in the final round of Bingo.

He also hopes to host a Queen of Hearts, a popular progressive raffle where players buy tickets for a chance to find the Queen of Hearts hidden among 54 face-down cards on a board, with the jackpot growing weekly until she's found. He also might feature a karaoke night.

Cortese hopes to be reopened within 4–6 weeks, but says March 1 is a "safe bet." He plans to be open by St. Patrick's Day and March Madness.

"A great atmosphere," Cortese said, of what people can expect. "A great place to hang out."