Richardson's Restaurant Grand Opening In Joliet Set

JOLIET, IL ? The official grand opening for Richardson's Restaurant in downtown Joliet across from the Rialto Square Theatre is now set. Richardson's opens at 8 a.m. Jan. 9, which is a Monday, according to Marzell Richardson III, whose father is a retired Will County judge.

Located at 81 N. Chicago Street, near the Van Buren Plaza, Richardson's will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and on many nights when there are Rialto shows.

Even though he is not open for walk-in customers yet, Richardson has been quite busy, catering meals for two big events this week. On Monday, Richardson's catered for 80 to 100 guests attending Joliet's African American Business Association banquet at the museum.

On Thursday, Richardson is catering at the courthouse for about 30 people attending the Will County judges' annual holiday party, he said.

So far, Richardson's has offered food for three different Rialto shows, "and we learn something new every time," he said.

Richardson's had its soft opening on Nov. 25 in conjunction with Joliet's annual Light Up the Holidays Parade and Christmas tree-lighting event, in front of his new restaurant.

"We did well. We sold out everything that Friday," Richardson recalled.

During Wednesday's interview, Joliet Patch asked Richardson how many people visited his new restaurant as part of the Light Up the Holidays parade.

"No clue," he answered. "A lot. A lot."

At first, Richardson hoped to open his restaurant in mid-December, but he opted to delay the opening until after Christmas and New Year's.

"Staffing, we've got a couple of people already, but we're still working on staffing," he said.

Richardson's has launched its website, and it will offer details in the coming days for catering and restaurant hall rentals.

Richardson's is also obtaining a liquor license through the city of Joliet.

Once it opens, Richardson's will feature a different sandwich and a different soup every week.

"Our staples will be chili, chicken noodle soup and vegetable soup," its owner said.

Marzell Richardson expects his soups will be a big hit with the lunch crowd.

He plans to offer discounts for city of Joliet employees as well as school teachers, high school students and students at Joliet Junior College, University of St. Francis and Lewis University.

This past year marked a dramatic uptick in downtown Joliet's entertainment and hospitality, as CUT 158 Chophouse quadrupled its restaurant space by moving into John Bays' Two Rialto Square Building. The same owner opened another restaurant, Mousa Tapas Bar, at the old CUT 158 location, and he also owns Juliet's Tavern, at the corner of Cass and Chicago Streets.

Now, Richardson's hopes to bring more attention to Joliet's downtown, specifically 81 N. Chicago St., the same building where Marzell Richardson's father once had his law offices.

"2023, I think, it's going to be a great year," Richardson said of Joliet's downtown. "I believe the economy will start to rebound."

As for Thursday's catering event at Will County's Courthouse, Richardson said he will be making the judges mini Philly steak sandwiches, Grecian chicken, Mostaccioli and salad.

"I want to thank everyone for being patient as we get our footing, and we definitely appreciate the AABA and the Will County judges," Richardson remarked Wednesday.