For nearly a quarter of a century, the Original Joey's Place has been a part of the Charleston and Eastern Illinois University community. Mark Grant has developed a winning menu with Vienna Beef hot dogs and Polish sausages, great burgers with homemade buns, and an awesome variety ofdeli, beef, and Philly steak sandwiches to name a few. But it all began more than a decade before, when Mark's mom, Winola, left the farm to begin working for a newer restaurant start up called Jimmy Johns. Young Mark worked there, as well and it inspired him to create his own Foodservice niche. Winola and Mark bought Joey's which seemed to need a complete makeover, and the Grant's were just the family for the task. They didn't even have Vienna hot dogs early on; but that soon changed and as Mark remembers,"so did the business.”
The community has been behind Mark and Winola, who opens the restaurant each and every morning. These are special people who have been on a mission to be the best at what they do. From business leaders to longtime residents to thousands of college students over the years; folks from all over the region keep coming back to Joey's. Even national football celebs from the area, like Tony Romo and Sean Payton have found their way to Joey's Place.Among other accolades, Joey's has been voted best hot dog and fastest delivery on campus. Mark has also answered the call and need for community and charity with many fundraisers.
Now it's Vienna Beef's turn to acknowledge and thank Mark, Winola, and the rest of the family and staff; and welcome Original Joey's Place into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame. From all of us at Vienna, we say congratulations and best wishes for much continued success in the future.
