Anthony's Restaurant and Pub Owner Seeks to Carry On a Family Legacy

Anthony Hohlastos, general manager of Anthony’s Restaurant and Pub and a 2007 graduate of Plainfield South High School, recently shared insight into his new business with Patch. Anthony’s Restaurant and Pub opened in December at 3151 Voyager Lane in Joliet. You can find the establishment online at anthonysjoliet.com and on Yelp.

Tell us about your business and how long ago you started in it.

The concept of Anthony’s was initially conceived about two years ago. Our goal was to provide a unique twist on familiar food in a family-friendly environment. We have separate main dining and bar areas, providing a perfect environment for those who want to converse over a sumptuous meal or have a few beers while watching the game on one of our 35 large screen TVs. After diligent planning and extensive construction/renovation, we opened our doors to the public on Dec. 11, 2014.

What’s the best part about doing business in your town?

Our family is firmly ingrained in Joliet and Plainfield, having lived here for over four decades. We identify this community as our home, and our intent is to appeal to all of the hardworking folks in the immediate and surrounding areas. We understand the demographics of our community, and we have created a unique concept intended to reflect their desires.

If you were to get an indulgent snack in your town, where would you go and what would you get?

Joe’s Hot Dogs has been a Joliet institution for as long as I can remember, and I still believe they have the best dogs in town. Give me two, mustard only.

If you were going to have a secret rendezvous in town, where would it be?

I suppose a dark corner table at Al’s Steakhouse could provide all the cover I would need to plan something mischievous.

What attracted to you to this business, and how did you start?

My father has been the owner/operator of multiple bars in Joliet since 1981. Anthony’s is a combination of extensive renovation and new construction at the site of a sports bar formerly known as Samy’s, first opened by my father in 1995. For the past 15 years, Samy’s was leased and operated by entrepreneurs outside the family. Eventually, Samy’s was converted to something that did not reflect the values of our family. My desire to reclaim the reigns of the business began shortly after college graduation a few years ago.

What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Appealing to all members of our community, young and old, presents a great challenge. A stigma still persists due to the nature of the business run by previous occupants. We are acutely aware of these facts, and we are dedicated to cultivating our own distinct image.

What’s your source of professional motivation?

My intent is that our customers leave satisfied and that we meet or exceed their expectations. In order to accomplish this goal, I depend on all members of our team, but ultimately I accept all responsibility for the products and service that we deliver.

What advice would you give to a person just starting in your business?

Take the time to understand your intended audience, and appeal to their desires. I have the good fortune of working together with my family, which provides an excellent source of strength and direction to overcome all potential challenges.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

If you want to be an effective leader, listen to and accept with humility the feedback that comes from your team. Every successful business requires a team effort with a united front.