Business & Tech
Merichka's Celebrates 81st Anniversary, Considers Second Location
The Crest Hill restaurant is asking for feedback from fans. April 18 marked Merichka's 81st anniversary.
Could there soon be a second location for one of the Joliet area's oldest restaurants?
On Friday, the famous home of the poor boy, Merichka's, celebrated its 81st anniversary.
The restaurant, 604 Theodore St. in Crest Hill, was founded in 1933 by family matriarch Mary Zdralevich and her son, Joe Zdralevich. Construction along Theodore Street inspired Mary to launch the business.
"She started serving to construction workers from the road," Ryan George, Mary Zdralevich's great-grandson, told Patch last year, as Merichka's celebrated its 80th anniversary.
On Merichka's 81st anniversary, the owners took to Facebook to thank the restaurant's longtime fans for their years of support — and hinted that something new could be coming for the family run eatery.
"Today marks our 81st anniversary here at Merichka's. Saying thank you to every one of you doesn't even begin to show how appreciative we are of you all!," the restaurant's owners said. "... After 81 years we have figured it may be time for a second location, possibly just carry-out, it is just an idea right now. We make a lot of home-made items here, so we have to make sure everything remains the same. We would like some feedback on our possible next location from all of you! Just keep in mind that it has to stay relatively local since it will still be owned and operated by our family and we want to make sure everything remains the same!"
So what do you think? Should Merichka's open a carryout — and where should it be?
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