Jack's Chick' N Ribs Opening In Joliet: 'I'm A Self-Taught Pit Master'

JOLIET, IL ?As 2023 draws to a close, there is positive news to share from the east side of Joliet, as Jack Dunklin is ready to open his first takeout restaurant, Jack's Chick' N Ribs. Jack's is at 124 Richards St., next to the funeral home of ex-Joliet City Councilman Terry Morris.

Dunklin said he is leasing the property next door to the Minor-Morris Funeral Home, and he is extremely grateful for Morris' support by bringing more Black-owned businesses to the east side of Joliet.

Many people around Joliet are familiar with Dunklin, and his black-and-red painted food trailer. His Facebook page for Jack's Chick'N Ribs already has more than 5,300 followers.

Now, Dunklin has a permanent restaurant building, and he's excited for what's ahead.

"My motto is The Sauce is Boss," Dunklin told Joliet Patch on Tuesday afternoon. "It's actually an old school Chicago-style mild sauce. It's homemade."

Jack's Chick'N Ribs, you guessed it, will specialize in chicken and ribs.

But that's not all.

"I'll be doing soul food Sundays every other Sunday," Dunklin explained. "On the menu, I also have pulled pork, brisket, beef hot links, and I'll be adding turkey tips, too."

Joliet Patch asked what he expects to be his top sellers.

"Probably the chicken wings and the ribs," Dunklin said. "I'll also have a family special with chicken legs and thighs."

Dunklin wanted everyone to know he makes his own home cut fries.

His other daily sides include baked beans, plus macaroni and cheese.

One of his upcoming specialty items will be called "Jack's Wrap." He said it's similar to Kentucky Fried Chicken's "snack wrap."

For desserts, Jack's will feature lemon pound cake and caramel pound cake.

Jack's Chick'N Ribs will have its soft opening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dunklin said.

His grand opening celebration will be next Wednesday, which is Dec. 20.

Since 2020, Dunklin has had his food trailer. Now, he's ready for the big-time.

"I've been in the food business for four or five years, but I've been cooking forever," he explained. "I'm a self-taught pit master."

Dunklin said he's been preparing to open his Joliet takeout restaurant since the fall. "It's been at least two months. It's been a challenge, I tell you," he said.

He likes his location.

"I'm pretty close to downtown Joliet," he remarked. "I see big things happening. I really do."