KEWANEE, Illinois – This community is celebrating the reopening and remodeling of an old Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream restaurant this week hosted by the brand’s new company representatives and local franchisees Eric Ellenberger and Jamie O’Neill.
Beginning Monday, Dec. 16, this all-new old location began serving up its signature slices and scoops at 515 Tenney St. It’s across from Wethersfield Elementary School and Wethersfield High School.
The brand’s signature Lollapalooza-level pizza-cutting ceremony included community leaders and company representatives. It was hosted by Mr. Ellenberger and Ms. O’Neill. The restaurant will operate on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Kewanee location marks the brand’s eighth Prairie State restaurant. Other Illinois stores are in Galena, Milan, Coal Valley, Aledo, Moline, East Moline and Rock Island, Happy Joe’s said in a news release.
Some Kewaneeans got a sneak peek at the location’s remodel and its extensive menu during a pair of events over the weekend, the restaurant’s Facebook page said.
In the lead-up to the grand opening, the restaurant hosted a soft opening. The Friends and Family Night on Friday, Dec. 13, was followed by a VIP Night on Saturday, Dec. 14.
“Happy Joe’s is all about bringing families and communities together through amazing food and joyful experiences,” said CEO and Chief Happiness Officer Tom Sacco, who attended Monday’s Happy Joe’s signature Lollapalooza Pizza Cutting. “Eric and Jamie are passionate about continuing that tradition in Kewanee, and we’re thrilled to see their vision come to life in our native Midwest region.”
Fan favorites featured
The newest of the brand’s Illinois’ locations features fan-favorite menu items. They include Taco Joe pizza. That Midwest favorite topped with ground beef, refried beans, taco sauce, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Guests can also enjoy the brand’s beloved Lollapalooza Pizza, alongside a variety of sweet ice cream treats. This restaurant also serves beer.
For more information about Happy Joe’s, visit HappyJoesFranchising.com. For information on starting a Happy Joe’s Pizza franchise, contact Kat Davidson at [email protected] or call (678) 485-8413.
Happy Joe’s was founded in 1972 by Joe Whitty in Davenport. His dream was to create a restaurant concept that focused on serving America’s two favorite foods – pizza and ice cream. And they do it in a family-friendly, celebratory environment.
Now owned and operated by Dynamic Restaurant Holdings Inc., Happy Joe’s has been named a FastCasual “Top 200” concept, Franchise Times “Top 400” business, and Nation’s Restaurant News “Top 500” restaurant.
The familycentric, child entertainment franchise pizza brand has eight company-owned and 34 franchise locations throughout the Midwest. More are in the pipeline. To learn more, visit HappyJoes.com or follow Happy Joe’s on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
