Joliet Marijuana Shop Planned For Vacant Bakers Square

JOLIET, IL ? One of the first noteworthy economic development projects put forth by Joliet's new economic development director Cesar Suarez is a proposed marijuana dispensary at the vacant Bakers Square restaurant, 2211 West Jefferson St.

On Tuesday, Joliet Patch spotted a large sign erected on the former Bakers Square property. According to the sign, there will be a public meeting at 2 p.m. July 21 inside Joliet's City Hall to discuss a special use permit for "an adult-use marijuana dispensary."

Joliet's zoning board is supposed to hold its next meeting at 2 p.m. on July, which is a Monday, according to the city's website.

People seeking more information about the new marijuana business planned for West Jefferson Street are advised to call Joliet's community and economic development offices.

Suarez started with Joliet in late May after spending several years employed by the city of Peoria. Suarez replaced Derek Conley, who left Joliet in March to take a similar position for St. Charles.

This marks the first proposed marijuana dispensary for Joliet since the addition of Rise near the Louis Joliet Mall more than two years ago.

On Jan. 1, 2020, Rise opened for cannabis customers at 2903 Colorado Ave. It's adjacent to the Osaka Japan restaurant and not far from the Binny's Beverage Depot store.

On Dec. 31, 2019, Joliet Patch reported that the operators of Rise, Green Thumb Industries/3C Compassionate Care Center will also continue to keep its original medical marijuana dispensary in Joliet at 1627 Rock Creek Blvd. The Rock Creek site serves as a dual-purpose location, offering recreational marijuana and remain a dispensary for its medical marijuana patients.