Chicken-N-Spice Reveals Shorewood Grand Opening Plans

SHOREWOOD, IL - Thousands of hungry motorists driving along Route 59 and West Jefferson Street can't help but notice the ongoing construction work in the parking lot of what is certain to become one of Shorewood's most popular restaurants once it opens. But when will that day come, people have wondered? Then came last week. Talk about a welcome sight. The Chicken-N-Spice building sign was erected.

On Monday, representatives of Chicken-N-Spice provided Patch with an update on their grand plans for Shorewood during an interview at their downtown Joliet restaurant.

"I think once they open their doors, they're going to be busy," remarked Pat Reimer, owner and manager of the award-winning Chicken-N-Spice in downtown Joliet along North Chicago Street. "It's going to be really excellent for Shorewood."

As of this week, the Shorewood Chicken-N-Spice is also accepting applications for full-time and part-time help.

"We're hiring a number of positions right now," said Joe DiGuglielmo, who along with Steve Wiborg, are opening the new Chicken-N-Spice franchise at Route 52 and Route 59.

Jobs include shift managers, cooks, food prep and cashiers. The franchise owners intend to hire between 30 and 40 workers, DiGuglielmo said.

Anyone interested in working at the new Shorewood restaurant can either visit the downtown Joliet location for an application or they can call 815-630-3114.

There is, of course, one glaring difference between the soon-to-be opening Shorewood Chicken-N-Spice and the one downtown.

"They will have a drive-thru," Reimer said, "they will be open into late into the evening."

And now that the restaurant sign is on the building, anticipation is building for the grand opening.

"The dream is August 15, but reality is probably by the end of the August," DiGuglielmo said Monday.

The opening was slowed because of the site work including grading, curbs and gutter and engineering. But that has not put a damper on the owners' enthusiasm.

"We were in love with the corner when we found it," DiGuglielmo said. "We really like the location of where it's at."

Shorewood will offer a catering menu and gumbo on Thursday. But unlike downtown Joliet, the Shorewood restaurant won't serve breakfast.

"We don't want anything different as far as the core items go," DiGuglielmo said. "It's all about the chunks and the chicken."

The Shorewood Chicken-N-Spice will be open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1o p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to midnight.

ORIGINAL STORY: Chicken-N-Spice Coming To Shorewood

Images via John Ferak/Patch Editor for Joliet and Shorewood