St. Joe's Drive-Thru Fish Fry: 'We'd Like To Push 600 Meals Out'

JOLIET, IL — As most locals know, the Merichka's Restaurant is usually the busiest restaurant along Theodore Street, but on Wednesday afternoon, about a block away, droves of cars were pulling into St. Joseph's Park for their food.

From 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, about 50 volunteers from St. Joseph's Parish were busy cooking, preparing fish and taking food orders.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, volunteers at St. Joe's Parish are operating a drive-thru-only fish fry.

It was popular. Even around 3 p.m., there were several cars pulling into the line to pay for their meals.

As head volunteer, Bill Schelli runs the St. Joe's fish fry. He was impressed with the early response during a mid-afternoon interview with Joliet Patch's editor.

St. Joe's parishioners are only doing two Lent fish fries: Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday.

By 3 p.m., St. Joe's Park had already sold 200 to 250 meals, he said.

"We'd like to push 600 meals out," Schelli said. "It's just drive-up."

St. Joe's only accepts cash orders. For $10, you get two pieces of beer-battered cod, parsley potatoes, coleslaw, bread and condiments.

St. Joe's will also accept any cash donations in addition to the $10, Schelli said.

"This is all for St. Joe's Church," Schelli said. "Any additional donations, it's all to help St. Joe's Parish."

Before the coronavirus pandemic shutdown last year's Lent fish fry season, St. Joe's was doing both carryout and dine-in meals inside the parish hall off Theodore Street.

"We didn't even get to Good Friday," one of the volunteers remarked.

Schelli encouraged Joliet area residents to stop by for dinner on Ash Wednesday. Volunteers will be serving fresh beer-battered cod until 8 p.m., he said.

The Good Friday drive-up fish fry is also from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Joe's Park.

Good Friday is April 2.