Serbian Hall: Prominent Joliet Restaurant Owner Nikos Takes It Over

JOLIET — January was a busy month around the Joliet area for restaurant closings and openings, and during the first week of February, one of the giants in the Joliet restaurant industry, Nikos Lippas, issued a stunning announcement late Wednesday afternoon on Facebook.

"Hello my friends!!!!" Lippas shared. "I'm excited and proud to announce that I took over the St. George Banquet Hall (Serbian hall) The new name will be NIKO'S BANQUET 310 STRYKER AVE JOLIET ... Stay tuned for more information."

Nobody in the Joliet area has been the subject of more Joliet Patch food and restaurant articles during the past five years than Nikos Lippas.

Now, the acquisition of the Serbian Hall between Stryker Avenue and Midland Avenue will give Lippas a total of three Joliet food-and-banquet-hall related businesses.

D'Amore Banquet Hall Opened In 2024

In 2024, Joliet Patch reported that nine months after Lippas opened his Niko's Catering business on Joliet's west side inside the back kitchen at 113 Republic Avenue, the popular Joliet restaurant owner had more exciting news to share.

"I am absolutely thrilled to share my exciting news with you all," Lippas told oliet Patch in 2024. "The Republic Banquet Hall has undergone a stunning transformation and is now officially known as the D'Amore Banquet Hall. With its gorgeous new renovations, it's the perfect place to make your special events unforgettable."

D'Amore Banquet Hall can accommodate 50 guests to 350 people, Lippas said. Special event accommodations include foot, tables, chairs, linens, a stage and head table, plus access to the bar and servers.

He said that Nikos Catering is able to furnish the food, which includes American, Greek and Mexican cuisine offerings.

"Entertainment packages with DJs and bands are also available. We upgraded the facility and we are very excited to offer to the public this beautiful place for weddings, quinceañeras, birthday parties, funeral luncheons, anniversaries, holiday parties, work meetings and any kind of event," Lippas told Joliet Patch. "Give me a call at 815-302-4066 to schedule your showing and let's make some unforgettable memories together at D'Amore Banquet Hall."

In August 2023, Lippas sold his long-time takeout and delivery restaurant on Joliet's Ohio Street, and the new owners continue to keep the same name, Niko's Pizzeria.

Related Joliet Patch coverage:
Niko's Catering Opening On Republic Ave. 'We're Proud To Serve You'
Last Greek Chicken Dinner For 2023 At Niko's Catering Is This Week