Cedar Point Keeps Classic Pies, Adds Fresh Feel To Little Joe's Space

NEW LENOX, IL — When three business partners took over the space formerly known as Little Joe's in New Lenox, they wanted to be sure they'd keep one very specific thing the same: the pizza.

Little Joe’s Famous Italian Restaurante! Original from 63rd, which first opened in 1958, sold its New Lenox location, 1300 N. Cedar Road, in April after 23 years at that spot. Newly minted business partners Shawn Heffernan, Tom Pavlopoulos and Kimberly O'Gorman, saw an opportunity they couldn't pass up in owning it, but they'd need the recipe for that pizza.

The three, under the LLC Crimson Restaurant Group, knew that was first on the list for their business venture Cedar Point Pizza and Pub.

"We bought all the recipes," Heffernan told Patch, "The ones we really wanted were the pizza recipes."

After taking ownership of the space in April, they dove into plans for a deep renovation and remodel, including tripling the size of the bar, re-painting, and new flooring, Heffernan said. The interior is expected to open by August, Heffernan said, though they are currently accepting orders for carryout and delivery. They've also revamped the menu, Heffernan said. Check out the refreshed menu online.

"It seemed like a great opportunity," Heffernan told Patch, of their decision to buy the property. "We saw the north side of Route 30 in New Lenox did not have a lot, and we saw a lot of history.

"We said we'd find the core that’s good, and take it to the next level."

Heffernan and O'Gorman, both of Frankfort, and Pavlopoulos, of Mokena, drew inspiration for the updated interior from other south suburban hotspots, with visions of a more updated, modern interior and bar, Heffernan said.

Though the three have not journeyed into restaurant ownership before, they have brought in consultants and an operator with extensive experience, Heffernan said. Heffernan is an attorney, while O'Gorman is a financial advisor and Pavlopoulos owns a manufacturing company.

They tout on the business' website that they will "bring new and exciting energy while still maintaining the authentic and beloved Little Joe’s Pizza."

The trio's plans for the beloved local name in pizza will include space for events and banquets, as well as maintaining catering offerings. They are approaching the business as four-pronged: delivery and carryout, dine-in, bar and catering/events, Heffernan said.

Former Little Joe's owners said with the closing of the New Lenox location, they would focus on the remaining one in Tinley Park, 7976 W. 167th St. They previously shuttered the business' Frankfort location. The Tinley Park location opened in 1991, when the original location on 63rd Street was sold.

Heffernan said an opening date has not yet been set for the interior, but they are accepting carryout and delivery orders. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 3 to 11 p.m. They are closed Mondays.

Management is currently hiring for all positions. Anyone interested can apply online.