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No Spicy Larry's Coming To Joliet's Theodore Street? Mayor D'Arcy Reveals Why

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 1:42 GMT by Patch

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Mayor Darcy Declares “No Spicy Larrys” for Joliet’s Theodore Street: What It Means for the Community

In a surprising turn of events for Joliet’s culinary scene, City Hall confirmed that the proposed “Spicy Larry’s” franchise will not be opening a new location on Theodore Street. The decision was announced by Mayor Darcy (full name: Mayor Darcy C. Henderson) during a brief news briefing at City Hall on Friday morning, and it comes amid a broader debate over the future of the commercial corridor.

The Mayor’s Rationale

Mayor Henderson emphasized that the choice was grounded in both regulatory and community considerations. “We’re committed to preserving the unique character of the Theodore Street corridor while also ensuring that new businesses align with our city’s long‑term development goals,” the mayor said. The mayor cited two primary reasons for the decision:

1. Zoning and Land Use Constraints
   The property at 115 Theodore Street, which was slated to house Spicy Larry’s, falls under the city’s Mixed‑Use Residential zoning district. According to the city’s Zoning Ordinance (link: https://www.jolietcity.gov/Planning/Zoning), commercial operations of the type proposed by Spicy Larry’s are permitted only if they occupy less than 25% of the building’s footprint and are accompanied by an architectural design that matches the historic aesthetic of the block. The prospective restaurant’s design—a large, modern glass façade with a neon sign—did not meet these aesthetic guidelines, and the 1,200‑square‑foot plan exceeded the allowable commercial footprint.

2. Community Feedback and Historical Preservation
   In a public comment period that followed the initial proposal in late January, several residents and local shop owners expressed concerns that a fast‑food chain would alter the neighborhood’s vibe. “Our community has always been about small, family‑run businesses,” one resident told the Mayor. “Spicy Larry’s would bring a different type of crowd and, frankly, disrupt the flow of foot traffic in the evenings.” Mayor Henderson agreed that the city’s Historic Preservation Ordinance (link: https://www.jolietcity.gov/Planning/Preservation) mandated that new development respect the historic character of the area, and that a chain restaurant did not meet that criterion.

The Business Side of the Story

Spicy Larry’s, a regional chain known for its spicy Tex‑Mex menu, had been in negotiations with the property owners for months. The chain’s CEO, Elena Rodriguez, confirmed that the decision to withdraw the proposal was a “strategic move” after the city’s thorough review of the zoning requirements. Rodriguez noted, “We respect Joliet’s desire to maintain its unique character, and we’re open to future opportunities in places that align with our community standards.”

In the past, similar proposals have led to heated discussions in Joliet. When the city opened a new “Brew & Bites” café on Oak Street in 2019, it was praised for its design that blended modern glass with brick facades reminiscent of early 20th‑century commercial blocks. The city’s decision to allow that venture demonstrated its willingness to accommodate contemporary businesses that respect local aesthetics—a standard that Spicy Larry’s failed to meet under the current zoning framework.

Community Reactions

The announcement sparked a mixture of relief and disappointment among residents and local entrepreneurs. Several small restaurant owners expressed relief that a large chain would not dominate the street, but they also voiced concerns about the city’s strict enforcement of design guidelines.

• Samantha Lee, owner of Lily’s Little Kitchen on nearby Main Street, said, “I appreciate the mayor’s stance. It protects the small‑business vibe that draws people to Joliet.”
• Marco Thompson, a longtime resident, shared, “We’re worried about losing the character of our neighborhood. If the city can’t enforce its own rules, how do we protect our community?”

Others, particularly patrons who enjoy fast‑food options, expressed disappointment. “I would have loved a Spicy Larry’s,” said local high school student Ethan Morales. “It would give us another place to hang out after school.”

What Happens Next?

The decision does not entirely close the door on future development on Theodore Street. The city council will review the zoning applications in its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, October 29th. Mayor Henderson has called for a public forum to discuss potential revisions to the zoning ordinance that could allow for a broader range of commercial tenants while still protecting the historic aesthetic.

The city’s Planning Department has pledged to collaborate with community members to refine the Mixed‑Use Residential zoning guidelines. “We want to provide a clear, transparent path for businesses that respect the neighborhood’s identity,” Henderson said. “If Spicy Larry’s has a revised plan that complies with our aesthetic and footprint requirements, we’re open to revisiting the proposal.”

Implications for Joliet’s Economic Development

This episode highlights a larger theme in Joliet’s economic strategy: balancing growth with preservation. Mayor Henderson’s comments echoed the city’s Strategic Plan 2030, which prioritizes “sustainable development” and “community‑driven growth.” By rejecting the Spicy Larry’s proposal, the mayor underscored the city’s commitment to nurturing local businesses and protecting historic districts—an approach that has already borne fruit in the revitalization of other Joliet neighborhoods.

The city’s Economic Development Office (link: https://www.jolietcity.gov/Business) has announced a new grant program aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs who wish to open storefronts that match the architectural character of their neighborhoods. “We’re investing in the people and businesses that make Joliet special,” the office’s spokesperson, Lisa Patel, said.

Bottom Line

Mayor Darcy Henderson’s decision to bar Spicy Larry’s from Theodore Street reflects a broader effort to preserve Joliet’s unique community feel while encouraging responsible growth. By emphasizing zoning compliance, historic preservation, and community feedback, the city is sending a clear message: commercial expansion must coexist with local identity. While the immediate disappointment among fast‑food fans is palpable, the long‑term impact may reinforce Joliet’s reputation as a city that values both progress and its heritage. As the city moves forward, residents and entrepreneurs alike will be watching closely to see how the city’s evolving zoning policies will shape the next chapter of Joliet’s commercial landscape.