|
|
Message from Joanie:
Dear Friends,
After the most amazing (nearly) six years of owning & operating Joanie’s Pizzeria of Long Grove, I have decided to move on to new & exciting life opportunities. I have spent over twenty-five years in the food service business and have loved every minute of it. It’s time, however, for me to pursue other experiences – both personally and professionally. As such, I have sold Joanie’s Pizzeria - and a strong new owner will carry on its torch (more on that below)!
Some may think this came about due to challenges related covid. To set the record straight, this has nothing to do with that. I have been thinking seriously about this for a while now. Stepping back from the restaurant will allow me to pursue new life goals & dreams – most importantly, starting a family. This is a wonderful next step for which I’m truly giddy.
The other side of this conversation, however, includes real sadness as the friendships and interactions with all of you have filled my heart & soul immeasurably over the last several years. It brings tears when I think about being away from the warmth of your hearts and the smiles on your faces. From day one, you blew me away with your kindness, friendship, and sincerity. Operating Joanie’s has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and it’s all because of you.
When I ventured to establish my own restaurant in 2015, I was charged up and full of vigor. That said, the notion of opening a restaurant and building a brand from scratch hinges on insanity – as anyone who has done this can attest. During these years, we experienced everything – from first year tribulations that all restaurants endure to a myriad of other external challenges (i.e. covid as well as the impactful, yet worthwhile downtown Long Grove construction activity). Throughout all this, Joanie’s thrived – always bustling with an abundance of handshakes & hugs.
We always described Joanie’s as a community hub as much as it was a restaurant. Neighbors and friends often bumped into each other in our dining room. We’d occasionally see a student waving to their teacher at another table. Countless first responders and veterans – who are very important to us – regularly graced our space. There was a profound sense of down-to-earth connection by many who dined at Joanie’s, and that has meant the world to us.
The experience of Joanie’s often felt like a storybook. For example, I think of endearing faces of many who have lived and loved who then came to Joanie’s and shared their rich wisdom with us. Many shared their fun sense of humor. Others shared their life story as they felt, in some way, a sense of familial connection at the restaurant. Some amazing people married each other after having met at Joanie’s – both among staff and customers. On a more somber note, too many incredibly dear, kind, and gracious people who brought pure love to our space passed away over the few years, leaving deep holes in our hearts.
When I think about the wonderful people at Joanie’s, it’s important to talk about those who gave their time and talent as staff. Again, it makes me emotional when I think of the awesome people who made Joanie’s a central part of their lives for a period of time – many of whom became household names to you all. Many high school kids over the years made Joanie’s their first job and the job they will talk about for the rest of their lives as “their high school job”. We have been so blessed with wonderful people over the years. I will forever be grateful to those who worked hard in our space – past and present.
Ultimately, love and connection are what Joanie’s has always been about. And all of you are central to that wonderful reality. I am humbled and grateful for your help in making Joanie’s something more than just a restaurant. I will never forget you.
The other fun part of this announcement is that Joanie’s will be around for a long time! We’re excited to share that local businessman Mike Okun is taking over. Many of you know Mike as he owns several businesses & properties in and around Long Grove. He has deep & instinctive understanding of operating in Long Grove and knows the food service space specifically. Mike is well-positioned to take Joanie’s to new heights – and frankly, nothing would make us happier. This is truly exciting, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
For all of you, please come by and say hello during the time I have left! It’ll also be nice to introduce you to Mike and the new faces that will occupy Joanie’s. I’d also welcome hearing from any of you! My email is: joanieshunia@gmail.com.
Much love to all of you!!
Joanie Shunia
Dear Friends,
After the most amazing (nearly) six years of owning & operating Joanie’s Pizzeria of Long Grove, I have decided to move on to new & exciting life opportunities. I have spent over twenty-five years in the food service business and have loved every minute of it. It’s time, however, for me to pursue other experiences – both personally and professionally. As such, I have sold Joanie’s Pizzeria - and a strong new owner will carry on its torch (more on that below)!
Some may think this came about due to challenges related covid. To set the record straight, this has nothing to do with that. I have been thinking seriously about this for a while now. Stepping back from the restaurant will allow me to pursue new life goals & dreams – most importantly, starting a family. This is a wonderful next step for which I’m truly giddy.
The other side of this conversation, however, includes real sadness as the friendships and interactions with all of you have filled my heart & soul immeasurably over the last several years. It brings tears when I think about being away from the warmth of your hearts and the smiles on your faces. From day one, you blew me away with your kindness, friendship, and sincerity. Operating Joanie’s has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and it’s all because of you.
When I ventured to establish my own restaurant in 2015, I was charged up and full of vigor. That said, the notion of opening a restaurant and building a brand from scratch hinges on insanity – as anyone who has done this can attest. During these years, we experienced everything – from first year tribulations that all restaurants endure to a myriad of other external challenges (i.e. covid as well as the impactful, yet worthwhile downtown Long Grove construction activity). Throughout all this, Joanie’s thrived – always bustling with an abundance of handshakes & hugs.
We always described Joanie’s as a community hub as much as it was a restaurant. Neighbors and friends often bumped into each other in our dining room. We’d occasionally see a student waving to their teacher at another table. Countless first responders and veterans – who are very important to us – regularly graced our space. There was a profound sense of down-to-earth connection by many who dined at Joanie’s, and that has meant the world to us.
The experience of Joanie’s often felt like a storybook. For example, I think of endearing faces of many who have lived and loved who then came to Joanie’s and shared their rich wisdom with us. Many shared their fun sense of humor. Others shared their life story as they felt, in some way, a sense of familial connection at the restaurant. Some amazing people married each other after having met at Joanie’s – both among staff and customers. On a more somber note, too many incredibly dear, kind, and gracious people who brought pure love to our space passed away over the few years, leaving deep holes in our hearts.
When I think about the wonderful people at Joanie’s, it’s important to talk about those who gave their time and talent as staff. Again, it makes me emotional when I think of the awesome people who made Joanie’s a central part of their lives for a period of time – many of whom became household names to you all. Many high school kids over the years made Joanie’s their first job and the job they will talk about for the rest of their lives as “their high school job”. We have been so blessed with wonderful people over the years. I will forever be grateful to those who worked hard in our space – past and present.
Ultimately, love and connection are what Joanie’s has always been about. And all of you are central to that wonderful reality. I am humbled and grateful for your help in making Joanie’s something more than just a restaurant. I will never forget you.
The other fun part of this announcement is that Joanie’s will be around for a long time! We’re excited to share that local businessman Mike Okun is taking over. Many of you know Mike as he owns several businesses & properties in and around Long Grove. He has deep & instinctive understanding of operating in Long Grove and knows the food service space specifically. Mike is well-positioned to take Joanie’s to new heights – and frankly, nothing would make us happier. This is truly exciting, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
For all of you, please come by and say hello during the time I have left! It’ll also be nice to introduce you to Mike and the new faces that will occupy Joanie’s. I’d also welcome hearing from any of you! My email is: joanieshunia@gmail.com.
Much love to all of you!!
Joanie Shunia
