Grinch Is Back To Deliver Aurelio's Pizza To Plainfield Homes

PLAINFIELD, IL — By popular demand, the Grinch will be delivering Aurelio's Pizza to Plainfield residents for his second year.

"Last year was great because of the pandemic and people wanted it again this year, so we decided to do it again this year," owner Mike Pascale told Patch Wednesday. "It's a cool thing for the kids. ... It brightened their day."

The Grinch will deliver food from the pizza parlor, located at 14421 Wallin Drive, for five days in December — Dec. 19 and Dec. 21-24. The beloved holiday villain will make deliveries every half hour.

Aurelio's Plainfield announced the opportunity on Facebook Sunday afternoon, and Pascale said slots are almost filled up, so people hoping to snag the Grinch and surprise their family should move quickly.

Deliveries on Dec. 19 have sold out but are still available from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 21 and 24 and from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 22-23. To make a reservation, Plainfield residents should call 815-254-3500.

"As long as people want it, we'll do it," the franchise owner said.

In its second iteration, the Grinch delivering food to residents — unfortunately, the restaurant limits Grinch deliveries to only Plainfield houses — started as an attempt to revive business during the pandemic.

RELATED: Aurelio's Pizza In Plainfield Gets Grinch To Deliver Food

"We just thought about it and said let's try it," Pascale said, adding that kids loved it last year since they were learning remotely. "We do a lot of odd things. We had to adapt to things to get business and [Grinch deliveries] worked out.

The Grinch may not be the friendliest holiday face, and some kids got spooked seeing him last year, Pascale said. But their parents "got a kick out of it," and children end up taking photos with the character.

For fans of Aurelio's wanting to celebrate the holiday season with pizza and Santa Claus, the Plainfield joint will have an in-house Santa visit a few times in December. The jolly man will be at the shop from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 8, Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, and from 4 p.m to 6 p.m. Dec. 12.

Aurelio's will serve a kid-friendly buffet when Santa visits, and reservations are required.

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