By Bob Bong
When Dukes Drive-In closed its longtime home in Bridgeview in 2019 to make way for a Panera Bread, people wanted to know where the restaurant would be relocating and how soon before it was open again.
There were all kinds of rumors. None came true. Until now.
Dukes Drive-In will be reopening as Duke’s Italian Beef inside the Gas-n-Wash at 19990 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena.
There will be a drive-thru, but no drive-in spots.
According to Dukes Facebook page, there will be ample room in a parking lot behind the Gas-n-Wash to continue the restaurant’s popular cruise nights.
Jeannine Skarbek-Kubas, director of marketing for Gas-n-Wash, said Dukes will be taking the place of Hog Wild Express, which closed earlier this month. She said the opening for Dukes is set for mid-June.
Dukes will be reopening under new ownership but will stay in the family. Bud Dukes opened the drive-in 44 years ago. The new owner, Bill Humphrey, is his son-in-law.
In a video on Facebook, he said he had the blessing of his mother-in-law, Joan, to bring Dukes back.
Humphrey said initial plans to relocate were put on hold. First, because of some illnesses in the family and then because of COVID.
Humphrey said the new Dukes will still have the same flavor its customers came to love over the years because the restaurant has contracted with the same suppliers it used in Bridgeview.
You can follow the progress of the new Dukes on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DukesBeef
Speaking of Gas-n-Wash
Skarbek-Kubas also confirmed that Gas-n-Wash will be opening a new gas station and convenience store at 4361 W. 127th St. in Alsip on Friday, May 6.
The store will be open 24 hours. A car wash will be available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The Alsip location will feature a Dunkin’ Donuts, Tacanijo Tacos, and Beggars Pizza.
Summit House of BBQ opening
A new barbecue restaurant is expected to open this week in Summit.
The Summit House of BBQ restaurant is opening in the former Thirsty Pig barbecue joint at 6312 S. Harlem Ave. Owners said they were hoping to be open this week.
The Thirsty Pig closed back in 2019 after a brief run as a barbecue joint.
Prior to becoming the Thirsty Pig, it had been Grand Duke’s, which specialized in Eastern European cuisine. Grand Duke’s moved from its longtime Summit location to Downers Grove to follow its customers.
Bath & Body Works coming to Quarry Mall
A Bath & Body Works store is coming to the Quarry Mall in Hodgkins. The grand opening is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 20. The opening has been delayed because of fire sprinkler issues.
If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.