Joliet Steak-N-Shake Makes Yet Another Comeback

JOLIET, IL ? In July, Joliet Patch published an article drawing attention to five fast-food restaurants that had gone out of business and the Steak-N-Shake on Larkin Avenue was one of them. But after being closed for several months, the Steak-N-Shake at 201 S. Larkin Ave. is back in business again.

In recent days, a "NOW OPEN" banner is being displayed along the side of the building. A sign on the building advises people that the Steak-N-Shake dining room is off-limits to customers. For now, the Steak-N-Shake is only operating as a drive-thru and curbside pickup.

The Steak-N-Shake on Larkin Avenue has become one of the most unpredictable restaurants along Joliet's busy corridor near the Interstate 80 exit. From 2019 until 2021, the Steak-N-Shake was shuttered. Then, unexpectedly, it reopened in early 2021.

Then, several months ago, it closed again.

Now, it's back in business again, giving Joliet a total of two Steak-N-Shake restaurants in the state's third-largest city.

But unlike the Larkin Avenue restaurant, Joliet's Steak-N-Shake near the Louis Joliet Mall on Plainfield Road continues to operate both a drive-thru window and an indoor dining restaurant facility.

According to its Facebook page: "Steak 'n Shake, a classic American brand, was founded in 1934 in Normal by Gus Belt, who pioneered the concept of premium burgers and milkshakes.

"For over 80 years, the company?s name has been symbolic of its heritage. The word ?steak? stood for steakburger. The term 'shake' stood for hand-dipped milkshakes. Gus was determined to serve his customers the finest burgers and shakes in the business."