Pops Italian Beef Calls It Quits In Joliet: Jefferson Street Restaurant Doesn't Make It

JOLIET, IL — In January 2022, Joe Haberkorn II opened his Pop's Italian Beef restaurant at Joliet's 1866 West Jefferson Street. It's across from the Tony's Fresh Market. After less than three and a half years of being open, Haberkorn has decided to call it quits. He has permanently closed his Pop's Italian Beef restaurant in Joliet, the one near the busy corner of Larkin Avenue and Jefferson.

In Brian Bessler's Joliet Area Bar and Restaurant Guide, there has been discussion about the Pop's going out of business in Joliet.

"So disappointed. We ate there weekly. Their beef sandwiches always had more beef than the others. Great prices too," wrote Deena.

"Plus hard to get in and out of that spot to a lot of times. I used to do food delivery when Boston market was there. I picked up from Boston market once and after 20 minute wait to get on to Jefferson, I stopped taking orders from there," Henry responded.

"It closed about two weeks ago. Great employees and nice, clean restaurants with great specials. The property has been on the market since March. Unfortunately, just not the traffic to support overhead of a building that size," responded Brian Bessler.

"That’s sad! They always had the best seasoned fries, nice and crispy! I don’t want to drive for it now! lol," wrote Ka Jay.

"I liked their food, especially the fries! Great service too! Too bad," Chris replied.

There are still Pop's locations in Shorewood at the Lenny's Fuel & Gas Station off River Road and Route 52 as well as in Joliet at Laraway Road and Route 53.