Joe's Hot Dogs Reopens Lobby, Adds Longer Hours

JOLIET, IL — For the first time in several months, one of Joliet's legendary restaurants is ready for some normalcy. After operating a shortened work schedule and running a drive-thru, Joe's Hot Dogs is returning to the way that thousands of people have grown accustomed. Joe's is reopening its lobby, ending the drive-thru, and staying open into the evening.

The changes take place today, Monday, Feb. 22.

Joe's announced on Facebook that its new hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Joe's has been a part of Joliet since 1953. Nowadays, Joe's is owned by Jill Huffstutler.

According to the Joe's Hot Dogs website, Joseph LaRose and Mary opened their hotdog wagon in 1953 in front of their home on Eastern Avenue. They opened their first Joe's Hot Dogs stand next door, and it stayed open until the early 1990s. The Joe's Hot Dogs near Six Corners on Plainfield Road has been open since 1964.

The announcement by Joe's Hot Dogs drew several reactions from social media.

Here are a few of them:

• "Joe was a friend of my Dad. As a little girl, I loved going to Joe’s- he would always give me a free lil cup of chocolate milkshake. As a teenager, late night runs to Joe’s included the large “sack” of fries. As an adult, I get the beef sandwich."
• "If you guys were smart a permanent drive thru would benefit your business big time."
• "Noooo keep the drive through! It's so much easier with kids in the car at this time of year!"