Business & Tech

Hollywood Casino, Other Businesses Closed by the Weather

Joliet Patch will add more businesses to the lists of closures as they become known.

After fewer than 100 people crossed through the turnstiles all day Sunday, a decision was made that was almost unprecedented: Hollywood Casino Joliet would close because of the weather.

Joseph Fernander, a longtime employee who was manning the phones, said the casino closed at 7 p.m. Sunday and will not reopen until 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

A weather-related closure has happened before, but it was so long in the past that Fernander could remember exactly when.

"A long time ago, maybe 20 years ago," he said.

READ MORE: Here's What's Closed in Joliet in the Wake of Snow, Freezing Temps

Despite the blowing snow and plummeting temperatures, a few brave souls did venture out last night to the gaming hall -- located off U.S. 6 at 777 Hollywood Blvd. -- but were turned away, Fernander said. One man arrived this morning, and was surprised when valet parking did not arrive to whisk his car away, he said.

Hollywood Casino is not the only business that's decided not to open because of the weather. Several restaurants and other places are making the same call -- in part for the safety of employees, in part because it's unlikely anyone will be venturing out for anything other than absolute necessities or to go to work themselves.

Below is a list of the businesses we've heard are closed. Feel free to tell us about others in the comment box below.

  • Aurelio's Pizza
  • Merichka's


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