An aerial view of the packed parking lot behind Duke's Drive-In Mokena on opening night. (Supplied photo)
Comings & Goings: Duke’s opens new drive-in Mokena
By Bob Bong
Duke’s Drive-In Mokena held its grand opening last month and a huge crowd of fans showed up to greet Bill Humphrey upon the return.
Upwards of 100 cars packed the parking lot on June 17 behind the restaurant at 19990 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena and the adjoining parking lot of Belle Tire.
When Duke’s announced it would be closing its longtime home in Bridgeview in 2019 to make way for a Panera Bread, people wanted to know where the restaurant would be relocating and how soon before it was open again.
There were all kinds of rumors. Then, finally, word came that Duke’s Drive-In would be reopening inside the Gas-n-Wash in Mokena with a drive-thru lane.
Dukes said there would be ample room in a parking lot behind the Gas-n-Wash to continue the restaurant’s popular cruise nights. If opening night was any indication, that is true.
Dukes has new ownership but is still in the family. Bud Dukes opened the drive-in 44 years. The new owner, Bill Humphrey, is his son-in-law.
Earlier this year, Humphrey said initial plans to relocate were put on hold. First, because of some illnesses in the family and then because of COVID.
Humphrey said the new Dukes still has the same flavor its customers came to love over the years on Harlem Avenue because the restaurant has contracted with the same suppliers it used in Bridgeview.
Jet’s Pizza now open in Mokena
Jet’s Pizza and its Detroit-style pizza has arrived in Mokena and another south suburban location in Matteson will be opening soon.
The chain has had a pizzeria in Tinley Park since 2013 and announced earlier this year it expected to open five new stores in the Chicago market this year.
In addition to the Mokena and Matteson locations, new pizzerias are coming to Chicago’s Hyde Park, Jefferson Park and Rogers Park neighborhoods.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and continued demand for Jet’s to continue adding new locations in the best possible way. It is truly incredible,” says Kevin Tosolt, Director of Marketing, Jet’s America’s Inc. “We could not be more honored to be the household favorite for so many and are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve these new Chicagoland communities in 2022.”
In addition to their square-shaped Detroit-style pizza, the new Jet’s Pizza locations also plan to serve hand-tossed, thin crust, New York-style, gluten free and cauliflower crust pies, fresh salads, handcrafted sandwiches, sidekicks, and desserts.
The Mokena location is coming to 11232 Lincoln Highway, a former That Girl Boutique. The Matteson location is coming to 4605 Lincoln Highway, a former Sears Auto Center. Scheduled to join Jet’s Pizza in that location is a Captain D’s seafood restaurant.
Jet’s Pizza in Tinley Park did have a second location at 7154 W. 127th St. in Palos Heights, but it closed early in 2017.
The Michigan-based chain, which proudly calls itself the 17th largest pizza chain in the country, is in an expansion mode. The Tinley location was its first in the Southland.
TK Insurance Services grand opening
The Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for TK Insurance Services Inc. on June 15.
Owner Tina Konieczki was joined by Mayor Michael Glotz, Clerk Nancy O’Connor, Trustees Colleen Sullivan and William Brady, Chamber President Brandy Cafarelli along with family friends and baby grandson.
According to Konieczki’s website, “I am a local, licensed and trained independent insurance agent in Tinley Park. I represent most major companies with a Medicare contract and am qualified to answer any questions you may have.
“At no cost, I will help you find a health plan that best suits your personal healthcare needs and your budget. By educating you on all the options available, I will give you the power to compare and the freedom to choose. Give me a call today. I look forward to helping you.”
If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.
Local News
Sorry, we couldn't find any posts. Please try a different search.
Neighbors
Countryside puts dog park on hold, will require leashes in two parks
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The city of Countryside has put on hold building a dog park, but canines and their owners are still in store for a treat. The city council has unanimously approved a plan to permit dogs in City Park and Countryside Park this year. Previously, they were not allowed in the…
Bridgeview approves auto repair shop
Spread the loveMoves up time for May 1 village board meeting By Steve Metsch Bridgeview is getting a new automotive repair shop. The village board at its April 17 matinee meeting approved a special use permit that will allow a repair shop at 9010 S. Beloit Ave. There was no discussion among trustees. The board…
Summit Fire Department blood drive draws a crowd
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The Summit Fire Department, along with the Village of Summit, and the Argo Summit Lions Club held a blood drive this past Saturday, and it drew a crowd that even impressed the American Red Cross. It took place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with non-stop donors walking through the…
Hodgkins toasts village businesses
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap and the Board of Trustees celebrated the village’s businesses at its annual Business Appreciation Breakfast on April 10. Over 100 people gathered at the Hodgkins Administration Center for a hearty breakfast hosted by the village. Representatives from many businesses that are located in or that work…
Pickleball courts coming to Palos Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva There will finally be outdoor pickleball in Palos Park. In a process that went longer than anticipated, the Palos Park Village Council was able give the green light to get a pickleball project started on the Village Green. The council voted April 8 to award the contract to U.S. Tennis…
First Secure Bank to host American Eagle gold coin sale
Spread the loveFrom staff reports First Secure Bank & Trust of Palos Hills announced its annual May sale of 1-ounce and ¼-ounce American Eagle Gold Coins, produced by the U.S. Mint, will take place from 10 a.m.to noon on Saturdays, May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25. The sale will take place at…
Donate teddy bears to our local police
Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . Have you ever seen the 1955 movie The Night of the Hunter? The children in this movie show such bravery and acceptance in what life has thrown at them. They have to deal with unimaginable events and sadness. …
Boy Scouts collecting tattered flags for disposal
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Goodbye April, hello May. Our American Flag, the symbol of our country, should always be treated with respect. But after bearing Chicago’s brutal winters and hot blazing summers along with being in the…
Oak Lawn trustee says village needs state grocery tax
Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle An Oak Lawn trustee said that Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s proposal to eliminate the state’s grocery tax will be costly for the village. Trustee William “Bud” Stalker (5th), accompanied by Mayor Terry Vorderer, recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Springfield where they learned more about the governor’s proposal to eliminate…