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After more than a dozen years of serving up pizza in Batavia, Pal Joey's is closing its doors.
Owner John Hamel broke the news in a Facebook post, writing that "dramatic changes to our business" led to the decision. He didn't get into specifics, but made it clear that he’s not finished with the restaurant scene.
"I know this will not be forever," Hamel wrote. "I hope to find a home for a carryout/catering space where I can continue to offer our famous pizza and more."
Hamel has owned the business since 2001, running it for 25 years total — 14 of those in Batavia. According to the Daily Herald, the restaurant was originally founded by Joseph Imbrogno in 1973 on Roosevelt Road in West Chicago, named after the 1957 Frank Sinatra film.
The restaurant became a mainstay in the area for decades before it came to Batavia's riverfront at 31 N. River St., where the multilevel restaurant offers patio dining overlooking the Fox River.
The Batavia location has had a winding path of its own, moving to the corner of Main Street and Randall Road in 2018, then returning to 31 N. River St. four years later.
No official closing date has been announced, though Hamel urged guests to "please come in over the next few days" and to be generous with his staff as they transition.
Batavia Mayor Jeffrey Schielke told the Daily Herald he's sorry to see the restaurant go but noted that there are people looking around Batavia to open a new restaurant in the space.
What the community is saying
The significant outpouring of social media comments highlights what Pal Joey's meant to the community.
People shared memories of rehearsal dinners, Little League celebrations, graduation parties, and post-funeral luncheons held at the restaurant, referencing both the original West Chicago location and the Batavia spot. Multiple commenters said they’ve been customers for 30, 40, even 50 years.
Former employees described Hamel as a great boss, parents praised him for hosting team dinners and end-of-season banquets for Batavia sports teams, and community organizations credited him with years of quiet generosity.
Folks called out the pizza too, citing deep dish, white pizza, and the famous sweet sauce as reasons for coming back time and again.
We'll keep you posted on what comes next.
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