More Taxpayer Subsidies For Chicago Street Pub In Downtown Joliet: Here's How Much

JOLIET, IL — Top City Hall officials for Joliet are urging the Joliet City Council to shell out more taxpayer funds for one of downtown Joliet's struggling businesses — Chicago Street Pub, which is operated by Mike and Kathy Trizna.

According to Tuesday night's City Council agenda, community development director Dustin Anderson is recommending that the Council approve $33,034 for the Chicago Street Pub, located at 75 North Chicago St.

This marks at least the second taxpayer subsidy for the Triznas. In January, Joliet Patch reported that the city of Joliet had approved a business continuity grant for the Chicago Street Pub of $11,156.05 to help the downtown bar and restaurant with its expenses from May 2024 to October 2024.

According to Anderson's latest memo, on December 17, 2024, the Joliet City Council approved a resolution creating the Chicago Street Business Continuity Grant program. The program provides financial assistance to businesses impacted by the construction projects that began in May 2024. The applicants are eligible for assistance of up to 50 percent of their lost tax-generating sales, with a cap of $100,000 per year.

Any grant amount over $25,000 must be approved by the City Council.

According to Anderson, upon submission of the required documentation that covered the full extent of FY 2024, Chicago Street Pub is eligible for a total of $33,033.88. At the June 30, Land Use & Economic Development Committee meeting, this item was recommended for approval by the City Council.

"Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council award a Business Continuity Grant for the Total Amount of $33,033.88 to the Chicago Street Pub," Anderson advised.