Chapin's East, Twin Rail Pub: 'We Appreciate Every Single Person'

MINOOKA, IL — Since the state of Illinois ordered sit-down restaurants and bars to stay closed amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the long-time owners of Chapin's East and the Twin Rail Pub are trying to get the word out to everyone that they're still serving up delicious food for takeout and deliveries.

On Tuesday, April 7, Chapin's starts using DoorDash to handle deliveries within a five-mile radius. Chapin's East is owned and operated by Dianne and Scott Breslar. The coronavirus outbreak also forced Chapin's cancel several wedding receptions, bridal showers and baby showers that were already booked on the 2020 calendar.

Chapin's East banquet hall can accommodate 425 guests.

Scott Breslar says Chapin's offers some of the finest food in the Minooka area and employs Jason Smith as its chef. Specialties include steaks, seafood, pasta and chicken. Inside Chapin's East is the Twin Rail Pub. It's considered a "Cheers" type pub that features comfortable casual dining and a full bar. Both businesses are at 502 Twin Rail Drive, right at the corner of Ridge Road.

Chapin's East and Twin Rail Pub is probably best known for its burgers and steaks, its owner told Patch.

"The quality of our beef is exceptional," Scott Breslar told Patch. "We have 13 specialty burgers on our menu, and we also have steaks. We're not just talking run-of-the-mill steaks. Our steaks come from US Foods and the stockyards. It's the same beef as Ruth's Chris and Gibsons (Bar and Steakhouse) but you're not paying $78 for one of our steaks."

Scott Breslar said that many of the long-time customers know he and his wife, along with many of their staff, are huggers, kissers and hand-shakers. As a result, the rules of social distancing have been difficult for everyone, he remarked.

When the country makes it through the coronavirus pandemic, he told Patch, Chapin's East and Twin Rail Pub may throw "A Hug Fest" as a show of appreciation to all their fine customers who continue to support them during this difficult time for all small businesses.

Normally, Chapin's East and Twin Rail Pub have 23 employees. For the time being, the regular business staff includes the owners and a handful of staff.

"Nobody has lost their job," Scott Breslar said.

Some weekday afternoons, when the phone rings at Chapin's, it's one of their long-time customers just wanting to chat, just wanting to make sure the restaurant and bar owners are doing OK.

"Without them," responded Madi Valentino, one of Chapin's long-time employees, "We're going to be a statistic."

"Hopefully, everybody makes it through this safely," Scott Breslar said, referring to all local businesses.

"We don't know what each day is going to bring. We're believers, and we just ask everyone to please be kind to other people. Be kind to one another."

Chapin's East and Twin Rail Pub remains open noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The locally owned Minooka business dishes up lots of different "comfort food" as part of their daily specials.

Sometimes, it's Asian cuisine, other days it's Mexican, occasionally it's meatloaf.

Chapin's East is also featuring an Easter At Home, dinner take-out feast for $18 per person.

Orders on the feast will be accepted through Wednesday, April 8.

To check out their entire menu or the Easter feast deal, visit the website for Chapin's East here.

To order by phone, you can call 815-521-4000.

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