Hog Wild Coming To New Lenox In Former Little Joe's

NEW LENOX, IL — South suburban barbecue hit Hog Wild will soon dish it out in New Lenox, after buying the space formerly known as Little Joe's, and more recently in the works to become Cedar Point Pizza & Pub.

Hog Wild franchise owners and business partners Rich Wagner and Carolina Munoz will add the New Lenox location at 1300 N. Cedar Rd. to the brand's growing lineup, with the original still going strong in Midlothian and an Oak Lawn location opened in 2022.

Known for their barbecue but also the giant pork chops, Hog Wild has been in business for 30 years. Wagner and Munoz were eyeing the New Lenox location more than a year ago, but the timing wasn't right and they couldn't reach an agreement with the Little Joe's owners. But the opportunity re-presented itself, and this time they couldn't pass it up.

Tinley Park resident Wagner and his significant other Munoz are all-in on the venture after some twists of fate. After the partners originally decided not to pursue the property, Cedar Point Pizza and Pub business partners Shawn Heffernan, Tom Pavlopoulos and Kimberly O'Gorman purchased the property as LLC Crimson Restaurant Group in spring 2023, with plans to maintain its previous purpose as a pizza place. Those plans fell through recently after what's said were differences between the partners. They sold the space before opening fully.

After plans of their own to expand in Niles didn't pan out, Wagner and an investor who has since stepped out of the group swooped in to grab the space. They acquired necessary permits for work on Thursday and immediately got to work on the interior. They intend to order counter service, with dine-in seating.

Hog Wild was started by Steve Pikorz in 1995. Pikorz at the time owned a heating and cooling company before breaking into the barbecue business with the first location in Midlothian, 14933 Pulaski Rd. Hog Wild has largely been a family-run business, with Pikorz's son Bryan and nephew Mike Pikorz playing roles in its operation at the first location. At the time of Pikorz's death in December 2021, he and Wagner had already begun plans to add locations, son Bryan Pikorz told Patch. The Oak Lawn location—owned by Wagner and Munoz—opened in February 2022, shortly after Pikorz's death. Since Pikorz's passing, son Bryan has taken the reins at the Midlothian location.

That location sponsors children and adults sports teams through the Midlothian Park District.

"We want New Lenox to know we are looking forward to getting involved in the community the same way Midlothian has," Bryan Pikorz told Patch.

"We have a great relationship with our local park district. It’s so important for businesses to get involved for the kids."

Pikorz said he's looking forward to seeing the Hog Wild name back in the Lincoln-Way area. A Hog Wild location existed previously in Mokena, he said, but was closed when Pikorz returned to run the Midlothian location after his father's death.

"We are very excited to be back in that area," Pikorz said.

While known for their barbecue—ribs, brisket, barbecue chicken—Hog Wild has more on the menu, including meatloaf and other comfort food many call their favorites. The menu also features chicken sandwiches, burgers, salads, and rib eye steak tacos weekly.

But it was their 'chops that put 'em on the map, he said. Appearances on WTTW's "Check, Please!" and Chicago's Best brought the brand newfound fame.

Hog Wild is also known for large portions and low prices, something they strived to maintain during and after the pandemic.

There's quite a bit of work to be done on the interior, partners said. They'll also have a full-service bar—they'll remove the one newly built by the Cedar Point partners, and start fresh. They hope to be open by April 1.

While you wait, check out their menu online.

It's the third restaurant announced this week as coming to New Lenox, with El Sombrero said to be coming to the vacant Pizza Hut, and Don Jose's Cantina and Taqueria moving in to the soon-closing Chicago Dough.