Justice celebrates long-time business owners

By Carol McGowan

Longtime business owners were recognized earlier this month as part of Justice’s Milestone Recognition Program.

Peggy Schillne, economic development coordinator for the village, said the awards are something the village hands out annually to recognize businesses that have been operating in the village for a long time.

Trustee Stan Ogorek presented Gregory Fasano, owner of Fasano’s Pizza, 8351 S. Roberts Road, with a plaque recognizing 50 years of being in business in the village.

Schillne put together some background on Fasano that Ogorek read before presenting Fasano with his plaque.

“With over 61 years of experience, Greg Fasano realized long ago that owning and operating a pizza place was the profession for him. He started making pizzas in his father’s Chicagoland pizzeria at the young age of 13 where he spent the next six to seven years perfecting his skills and learning all aspects of the business. Aside from a brief time working in a warehouse, Greg has dedicated his life to working in the restaurant industry. He opened Fasano’s in 1972 and purchased the land and building in 1973. Greg has spent the past 50 years building his business. He still has a passion for work with no plans to retire. Fasano’s is known far and wide for their Chicago-style thin crust pizza, enormous sandwiches and delicious pasta dishes. This very successful restaurant is a fixture in the community. Using only the finest and freshest ingredients, they strive to make every experience one to remember. We salute them for their commitment to quality and service and wish them many years of continued success.”

Ogorek then presented a 25-Year plaque to Carol Kobiela, owner of Granny’s Country Kitchen, at 8401 S. Roberts Road.

Schillne also wrote of Kobiela’s business.

“Granny’s Country Kitchen has been owned and operated by Carol Kobiela for the last 25 years. This sit-down restaurant has everything you want in a diner: country décor, a mix of vinyl booth and counter seating and best of all a menu of comfort foods made from scratch and, of course, breakfast served all day. This comfortable atmosphere brings friends, family and community together. They come to enjoy the delicious homestyle cooking and stay for the comradery and conversation. Carol has enjoyed watching her customer’s babies grow up to then become regulars themselves. Not only does Granny’s Country Kitchen offer great food every day of the year except Christmas, Carol and her staff treat the customers like family. Over the years, they have been known to perform well-being checks on elderly customers and bring food to sick customers. Facing many years of hardship and adversity, Carol has persevered and created long-lasting success. Congratulations and best wishes
for many more years of prosperity in the village.”

Ogorek congratulated three other businesses who are celebrating their 10th anniversary in Justice in 2022.

They are: A. Lugan Contractors Inc., 8200 S. 86th Court, Davern’s Tavern & Lounge, 8527 W. 79th Street, and Justice Child Development Center, 8531 S. 88th Avenue. Representatives from those businesses were not in attendance.

In other village business, a motion was approved to purchase two Raznor 170,000 BTU Hanging Heaters, including installation, at a cost not to exceed $9,000, to be installed in the fire department parking bay at the village hall complex.

The village also approved the State of Illinois Salt Contract for 1,200 tons, at $70.76 per ton, to be supplied by Cargill Inc.

Trustee Melanie Kuban thanked everyone who helped make the annual Veterans Day Luncheon a success, and read a thank you letter written by one of the veterans who lives in Justice and attended.

Kuban also mentioned that applications are out for the village holiday gift card program. The deadline is November 30, as the gift cards will be delivered on December 17.

With it being the end of 2022, there was a motion to approve village closures to be observed in the upcoming year.

Village offices will be closed for Christmas Even on Friday, December 22, 2023, and New Year’s Eve on Friday, December 29, 2023.

Holiday closures were approved for the Finance Office for 2023. Those are Saturday, May 27, Saturday, September 2, Saturday, November 25, Saturday, December 23, and Saturday, December 30.

The Finance Office will have extended hours for the sale of vehicle stickers on Thursday, June 29, and Friday, June 30, until 7 p.m.

Winter Wonderland at the village hall will take place in the afternoon on December 3.