'No Kings In Joliet': Magpie's Joy Of Eating Supports 'Peaceful Expression'

JOLIET, IL — Less than 48 hours before Joliet's No Kings rally against President Donald Trump gets underway at Larkin Avenue and West Jefferson Street, one of Joliet's fine-dining restaurants is speaking out in favor of Saturday's rally, which is expected to have a large turnout.

In January 2024, Maggie Gillespie, daughter of legendary football and baseball coach Gordie Gillespie, opened her Magpie's Joy of Eating at the former Thayer's Deli, 753 Ruby St.

On Thursday afternoon, the Magpie's Joy of Eating posted the following announcement in Brian Bessler's Joliet Area Bar and Restaurant Facebook group:

"This weekend, voices will rise in Joliet and we'll be listening. As the city comes together for the No Kings rally on June 14, know that Magpie's is here for you, just a few blocks away, with open doors, warm plates and a place to reflect, and reconnect."

Magpie's said their location at 753 Ruby is close to the rally route, adding, "come as you are."

"We support peaceful expression and believe that sharing food and ideas is one of the oldest, most powerful forms of community care."

Her announcement closed with five different hashtags: #MagpiesJoyOfEating #CommunityTable #JolietEvents #NoKings #AllAreWelcome

In January 2024, at the site of the former Thayer Brothers Deli, Meg Gillespie opened her new sit-down restaurant, Magpie's Joy of Eating, at 753 1/2 Ruby Street.

To review her menu, visit the website for Magpie's Joy of Eating here.

As Patch reported earlier this week, protesters in Illinois and across the country will take to the streets Saturday in “No Kings” rallies nationwide to coincide with a military parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary that falls on Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. June 14 is also Flag Day.

“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance,” according to organizers. “From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like.”

No Kings events in Illinois include:

• Joliet: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Larkin Avenue and West Jefferson Street.