Wyler BBQ Opens, Brisket, Pulled Pork, More Inside Game Changers

CHANNAHON, IL — After dishing up his homemade brisket and pulled pork sandwiches to thousands of Joliet Slammers fans this summer, Tom Wyler has opened Wyler BBQ, his first indoor restaurant venture. His restaurant is on Route 6 in Channahon's Game Changers pickleball facility.

Game Changers is next door to Channahon Lanes and Mini Golf.

"I've got high hopes to do very well here and really be a service to the community," Wyler told Joliet Patch during Thursday's interview. "I'm starting off with a small menu. I have starters. One of the most popular is the street tacos.

"Anything with brisket, that flies pretty fast."

Wyler BBQ is available for dine-in as well as carryout. One important distinction: you don't have to play pickleball at Game Changers in order to enjoy Wyler BBQ, he noted.

In addition to the six pickleball courts, Game Changers features two high-tech golf simulators and there's video gaming machines.

The outside of Game Changers features a fire pit, sand volleyball courts and bean bags.

For September, Wyler BBQ is closed Mondays and open from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Starting Oct. 1, Wyler BBQ will also be open on Monday from 4 to 9 p.m.

"I smoke everything on site here," Wyler explained. "Everything is made fresh daily. You can come here and enjoy the food and the bar without having to play (pickleball). I can also offer takeout."

Wyler said he is working with Uber Eats and Door Dash to handle delivery service.

A resident of Plainfield, Wyler wanted to thank Game Changers owners Keith and Ken Minor and their general manager, Chris Caldwell, for bringing Wyler BBQ on board.

"There's not a lot of super restaurant options out here," Wyler said. "Part of my mission is not just to serve the barbecue, but I want to be entrenched in the community like I have been in Plainfield.

"I'd like for this location to become a destination, Morris to Joliet."

In the coming days, Wyler said he will display a neon sign along Route 6 to let people know he's open at Game Changers.

In addition to dine-in traffic, Wyler BBQ will accept online food orders, and Wyler BBQ will also be offering gift cards.

"This fall, there's a new cocktail menu (at Game Changers) so that will pair well with my barbecue," he said.

In the next few weeks, Wyler said he will be offering brisket chili and his popular pretzel nachos that he sold at Joliet Slammers games. He also plans to offer family dinner packages.

"It will feed a family of four for X amount," he said.

To check out the menu, visit the website for Wyler BBQ.

As for next year, Wyler said he still intends to remain as a food vendor for the Joliet Slammers home games at Duly Health and Care Field.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:

Wyler BBQ Smacks HR As New Food Vendor For Joliet Slammers

Free Bowling: Channahon Lanes Mark 25th Anniversary