After 72 Years, Beloved Eatery For Sale, New Owner Will 'Start Making Money Immediately'

JOLIET, IL — "Fries or onion rings?" Everyone who sets foot inside Joliet's legendary Joe's Hot Dogs restaurant near Six Corners at 810 Plainfield Road knows that's the first question you'll be asked by the staff behind the counter. And for 72 years, Joe's Hot Dogs has been a part of Joliet, serving hundreds of people every day.

Now, change is on the horizon.

As of this week, Joe's Hot Dogs is officially on the real estate market. Matt Rittof, designated managing broker of CENTURY 21 Circle in Joliet, is the listing agent for Joe’s Hot Dogs. Rittof told Joliet Patch on Monday morning that the owner's asking price is $1.2 million.

“It really is a turn-key business,” Rittof remarked in announcing the news. “With all of the equipment, the well-maintained building, and the name recognition, a new owner could step in and start making money immediately. Aside from possibly changing your name to Joe, there’s really nothing else you have to do.”

Rittof said the sale of Joe's Hot Dogs includes the building, equipment, and the long-standing business name.

He said that he reviewed the restaurant's financial books and said Joe's continues to flourish. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite being shut down for a couple of months, Joe's had a strong financial year in 2020.

It's A Good Business For The Right Person: Rittof

"As a new owner, you can start making money the first day you own it," Rittof remarked. "It's a good business for the right person. Even during the COVID-19 shutdown, Joe's still did surprisingly well. From talking to the owner, they sell about 100,000 hotdogs every year, and that's not counting all the other stuff."

Rittof also pointed out that the Joe's Hot Dogs building also has a basement to store inventory. And while the restaurant isn't serving as a drive-thru operation as it did during the pandemic, the next owner could always obtain a special use permit from the Joliet City Council if they wanted to offer a drive-thru service.

Rittof is optimistic that the owners of Joe's will find the right buyer to keep the business thriving for many more years into the future. "It's a local flavor, local everything," he told Patch. "What's the cost to start a McDonald's? Like Jill says, we don't sell Chicago dogs, we sell Joe's Hot Dogs. For someone willing to take a bet on themselves, someone who's got energy and an entrepreneur mindset, this opportunity is tailor-made for someone."

Founder Joseph LaRose's Granddaughter Has Run Joe's Hot Dogs For 25 Years

Joe's Hot Dogs has been a part of Joliet for 72 years now. For the past 25 years, Joe's Hot Dogs has been owned and operated by Jill Huffstutler, granddaughter of founder Joseph LaRose.

“My staff—many of whom have been working here for over 20 years—and I are all in our 50s and 60s now,” Huffstutler said in her real estate new release. “I feel that exploring a sale now gives us the opportunity to go out on top. Joe’s has been part of my life since I was a little girl. This is about continuing that legacy.

"There are a lot of opportunities for someone to add to the business, or they could just keep things the same.”

“Jill and her staff have kept everything running smoothly with the systems they have in place. This is a rare opportunity to own a true Joliet landmark,” Rittof emphasized.

Back in 1953, Joseph and his wife Mary LaRose opened their first hot dog wagon on Eastern Avenue near downtown Joliet. The stand quickly became known for its simple menu, great food, and friendly service. The 6 Corners location opened in 1964, and Joe’s has remained a community favorite ever since, according to Rittof.

As for the current menu: the following items are available seven days a week at Joe's Hot Dogs:

• Hot Dog, Kraut Dog, Chili Dog, Cheese Dog and Chili & Cheese Dog
• Tamale, Tamale on Bun, Tamale Boat
• Polish, Kraut Polish, Chili Polish, Chili & Cheese Polish
• Chili Bowl
• Italian Beef Sandwich, Hot Giardiniara, Mozzarella
• Onion Rings: small or large
• French fries: small or large

To reach Matt Rittof, the managing broker for the Joe's Hot Dogs property, he can be reached at his Joliet office at 815-545-2721 or by email at mrittof@c21circle.com.

“For now it will still be operating the business as I have been for the last 25 years," she said, "but I look forward to taking on a new hobby — or even a full night’s sleep without thinking about hot dogs," Huffstutler remarked.