25-Year Anniversary For Double J Sports Bar: 'I Proved Them Wrong,' Owner Says

JOLIET, IL —As many people know, Joliet can be a city of naysayers, and Jeff Reid has seen that firsthand. When he opened his Double J Sports Bar back in 2000 at 1001 Essington Road, he said several people predicted that he was doomed to fail.

After all, at that time, there was nothing but open fields and farmland in that particular section of Essington Road.

"When I was first opening, people said I will never make it on Essington Road, but I proved them wrong," Reid told Joliet Patch during this week's interview inside the Double J. "I watched all the buildings get built around me. Twenty-five years is a long time ... They thought it was too far west, but look how Shorewood, Channahon and Minooka are all growing."

On Saturday, Double J Sports Bar will hold its 25-year anniversary celebration. The event will feature Superfly Redneck performing from 1 to 5 p.m. followed by Southern Jack taking the stage from 7 to 11 p.m. Double J will have plenty of giveaways, including shirts, hats and koozies.

Jack Daniels engravers will be selling commemorative 25-Year anniversary bottles of single barrel Jack Daniels, Gentleman Jack and Herrabura Tequila for $60 a bottle.

Summertime is typically the busiest time of the year for Double J, according to Reid.

"In 25 years, I've never had a cover charge," Reid pointed out. "You've got to price your drinks accordingly. I'm cheaper than most places. It's the atmosphere, the DJs, karaoke and supporting the local music with bands on the weekends. Yeah, the business pays for everything.

"I support local music in the summertime, out on the patio," Reid explained. "Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June through the end of September. We have Monday night karaoke and daily specials every day and karaoke on Thursday on the patio and DJ Darkside, Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday night inside."

How Many People Will Come To Double J On Saturday?

Joliet Patch asked Reid how many people he anticipated will patronize Double J for Saturday's 25th anniversary bash.

"I bet we will have 200 to 300 people come through," Reid predicted. "And you never know. It could be more. There's a lot to do to get a party like that going."

Reid said Double J has always been a friendly, welcoming bar.

He makes it a point to say hello to all of his customers, and his bartenders are also friendly. He makes sure Double J is regarded as a clean bar.

Reid said he does not tolerate litter around his property or the parking lot.

"You didn't come in smelling like the old tavern days," he remarked.

"I've outlasted a lot of bars in this town. I've gone through a lot of changes over the last 25 years. The Joliet community has been behind me for everything over the years. Without the customers, you can't pay the bills. We have great customers at Double J, and the Joliet Police Department and the Joliet Fire Department have been there throughout the entire time. There's police officers that were rookies when I opened it and are now retired," Reid noted.

Reid has had a number of Joliet businesses and storefronts over the years, including Down From The Tracks, which was inside Joliet's historic Union Station. He built the original Donut Den on Theodore Street. He operated Jerrie's Dogs & More, which was named after his mother, and he operated the C & R Liquors store.

"And only one is left, Double J Sports Bar," Reid remarked proudly.

During the past 25 years, Joliet has had four different Joliet mayors: the late Art Schultz, Tom Giarrante, Bob O'Dekirk and now Terry D'Arcy.

"I've been around for four mayors now. Isn't that crazy?" Reid remarked.

What's the key to Double J's longevity?

"It's all about hiring the right people and keeping my business clean," Reid explained. "We regularly get people coming from Chicago, Oak Lawn, Cicero. We get a lot of people from out of town. I'm advertised in all the hotel groups for Interstate 80."

Double J is known for giving back to the community and its charity work. Double J's annual golf outing at the Joliet Park District's 18-hole Inwood golf course is always a sellout. This year, the Double J Sports Bar Pat Clark Cancer Foundation Golf Outing is on Aug. 2.

"I sell it out with 120," Reid said. "We have 30 foursomes."

Double J has had its share of Chicago sports stars and celebrities over the years including Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull, Chicago Cubs stars Jody Davis, Bobby Dernier and Rick Reuschel plus Cubs radio announcer and former Major League Baseball player Ron Coomer.

As far as regular hours of operation, Double J opens Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Fridays 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.

"Double J Sports Bar in Joliet, IL, has proudly served the community for 25 years. Known for its friendly atmosphere, great drinks, and entertainment, it's the go-to spot for neighbors to gather, watch the game, and unwind. Come for the camaraderie, stay for the good times," the Double J website proclaims.