Great American Bagel Opens In Joliet: New Hours, Days Of Operation Revealed By Company

JOLIET, IL — Joliet area residents just haven't been the same since the end of December 2023 when long-time Joliet restauranteur Tom Grotovsky ended his relationship with The Great American Bagel corporation and closed up his bagel restaurant at 1101 Essington Road.

But Tuesday marked a new day for Joliet and hundreds of people made the pilgrimage back to 1101 Essington Road.

The Great American Bagel is back.

After more than a two-year absence, the franchise re-opened the Joliet storefront thanks to its new local owner, Mayra Cruz. Paul Lettieri, vice president of corporate consulting at The Great American Bagel franchise headquarters in Westmont, was also on hand for the milestone event.

Italian trio on Asiago. Caprese sandwich. Cobb salad. Cuban panini. Tuna Melt. These are just some of the many sandwiches and food offerings now available at Joliet's new and improved Great American Bagel restaurant.

The Great American Bagel restaurant on Essington Road is now back open seven days a week. Hours are 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Joliet Patch visited Great American Bagel around 1 p.m. Tuesday. By that time, Cruz and Letteri figured they had served approximately 125 customers on their first day of business so far.

"It's been a good day, a good first day. We just wanted to do a soft opening," Letteri explained. "The place is looking great. So many people say they're happy you guys reopened."

Letteri wanted everyone to know that the moment they set foot inside 1101 Essington Road, they will notice an immediate difference from the old restaurant.

"It's newly remodeled," he exclaimed. "We love to see our past customers along with new faces. Just come in and see the new look of our store. We are going to be doing a patio for outside seating."

Customers can order online by visiting the website at www.greatamericanbagel.com. The restaurant phone number for carryout is 815-691-2300.

As far as the menu, The Great American Bagel features:

• Bagels made from scratch
• Half dozen bagels
• Baker's dozen (13)
• Super and Specialty Bagels
• Gluten friendly bagels
• Breakfast Anytime bagels, paninis or wraps
• Cream Cheese Bagel and Specials
• Panini
• All American Sandwiches
• Specialty Sandwiches
• Chicken choices on bagels, baguettes or wraps.
• Wraps
• Fresh Salads
• Soups and Chilis
• And dog bagel bones: Small dog bones and large dog bones