Orland's Petey's II Closes Permanently, Parcel Purchased

ORLAND PARK, IL — After more than half a century, beloved Orland Park restaurant Petey's II has closed permanently, its owners announced Monday via social media. The parcel on which the restaurant sits has been purchased by commercial realty firm JD Real Estate, which owns others properties leased to Pete's Fresh Market.

Pete's Fresh Market Executive Officer Stephanie Dremonas said the two entities operate independently, but have a business relationship on the property. Plans for the land were not disclosed as of Monday, but are in the works, Dremonas said.

News of the restaurant's closing comes days after a moving truck was spotted outside the steakhouse at 15900 S. La Grange Road, and less than two weeks after owners announced it would be closed temporarily.

"It is with a mix of gratitude and nostalgia we announce the closing of Petey's II Restaurant, a cherished landmark in the Orland Park community," owners wrote on social media Monday. "To those who have been loyal and supportive, our family sincerely thanks you for being a part of our journey, our story, our history, our fond memories."

Opened by Pete and Mary Kattos in 1969, Petey's II was the second business venture for the pair, whose Petey's Bungalow Lounge debuted in Oak Lawn in 1961.

"Petey's II has been more than just a restaurant; it has been a gathering place for families and friends, a site for celebrations, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Orland Park's culinary scene," the owners wrote.

Our family’s journey began with a simple vision to offer a unique dining experience combining classic flavors with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Through the years, we have had the privilege of witnessing generations of families come together at our tables to celebrate special occasions, milestones, holidays, nights out and family dining traditions.

As one of the few businesses around dating back to the late 1960s, the heartfelt decision to depart Orland Park was not taken lightly. For years, we felt at home in our community, but things changed. The decision to close our doors comes in the wake of significant changes within the restaurant industry and a step closer to Petey’s well-deserved retirement.

We witnessed the growth of our community and surrounding areas, and successfully navigated through changing times, challenges, a pandemic, all while staying true to our core values. We reached many milestones and survived countless adversities along the way. For our restaurant to thrive and survive for 55 years is one of our family's proudest accomplishments. We have proven a local, family-owned independent restaurant and small business can flourish and withstand the test of time. We have achieved a place in Orland Park’s history.

Owners went on to say that the decision to close the Orland Park location "was not taken lightly.

"For years, we felt at home in our community, but things changed," the statement reads. "The decision to close our doors comes in the wake of significant changes within the restaurant industry and a step closer to Petey’s well-deserved retirement."

Petey's Bungalow, 4401 95th St. in Oak Lawn, will remain open and will honor Petey's II gift certificates.

Started in the early 1970s as "a small, full-service produce stand on the south side of Chicago," grocer chain Pete's Fresh Market remains a family-owned business with stores featuring fresh produce, full-service kitchens, bakery, deli, and in-house butchers. Pete's currently has 17 stores in the Chicagoland area with several coming soon, including one in Orland Park to be located at 15080 S. LaGrange Rd., and one in Tinley Park, at 16300 S. Harlem, according to the Pete's Fresh Market website.