Historic Worth Restaurant marks 75th anniversary

Longtime customers Ed Palenik (left) and his dad Ed Palenik enjoying breakfast on September 15.

Tucked away modestly yet directly in the Village Plaza, along West 111th Street, lies the historic Worth Restaurant.

Formerly known as Worth Snack Shop and Loretta’s Snack Bar, the eatery at 6948 W. 111^th St., has been an integral part of the Village of Worth community fabric for decades.

Initially established in 1949-1950 as a truck-stop diner, the restaurant brought in all kinds of drivers while equally legendary for locals and even a sanctuary for some.

Regulars like Ed Palenik have been coming into the quaint diner for nearly 45 years. “The food is good,” said Palenik amidst the morning after-church rush for the restaurant, the intoxicating smells of freshly brewed coffee, fried eggs, and other savory and sweet smells. “It’s local. I’ve gotten to know Linda, the owner, very well.

“You get to see your regular neighborly faces dining. We know everyone personally. We’ve all grown up here,” said Palenik.

Palenik likes the “home-like” feeling when dining at the restaurant. “I think it’s special when something feels homey, and that’s what Linda and Val (the cook) have done: community and consistently good food.”

Linda Klechak has owned the restaurant for 26 years. One thing she knows for certain is that the eatery will celebrate its 75^th anniversary on September 19.

While it is unknown if the restaurant has always been family-operated in its seven decades, Klechak said, “It is now.”

Her original partner, Laura Woolwine, retired. Klechak and her husband Tom, along with dedicated staff now operate the family dining spot.

Memorabilia showcases the restaurant’s transition throughout the years. Collages displayed throughout the restaurant, some dating back to the 1950s, adorn the walls and tell some of the restaurant’s history.

Pointing to one photo of a waitress in the 1950s, Klechak said that the woman, Janelle, went off to open her own restaurant in the ‘70s. Another collage from when the restaurant was known as Worth Snack Shop, shows a gentleman named Harry, who Klechak worked for before acquiring the restaurant.

“It’s our community,” said Klechak. “I believe we have the best community, where people come together, wave to one another across the restaurant and feast.”

Worth Restaurant is well known for delicious breakfast menu items, including what Klechak said was a customer favorite: “Our biscuits and gravy is a hit, our pancakes are loved here, and other menu items like sloppy joe sandwiches are a favorite.”

When asked what secret family recipes are used, Klechak wouldn’t reveal any secrets. Tom Klechak said, “Everything you’ll love, everything you try, there’s nothing on the menu I don’t like.” A bold sentiment and hard to dispute when seeing, and smelling fresh butter being spread on warm toast and savory jams being spooned.

Kitty-corner to the cook sat the family of Herb Wilson, a longtime and frequent restaurant goer with his wife and baby.

Wilson has been eating there since his dad, Edward Wilson, was a dishwasher and staffer of the restaurant. He said Klechak has keep the place warm and comforting.

Co-owner Linda Klechak mans the checkout area at the restaurant.