Today we’d like to introduce you to James Lungaro.
Thanks for sharing your story with us James. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My father started the business with a small hot dog cart down in Carbondale, Illinois. He had to borrow two thousand dollars from his grandmother to make the purchase. After being in Carbondale for about six months he decided to bring the cart back up to South Holland (where he was raised). After posting up outside of a gas station for about a year w/ the cart he moved his business into a gas station/auto repair shop where he began to find a few regulars.
After exactly four years & four days in the gas station, he moved into his own space in a strip mall. This is when he started the catering portion of his business. After being in this location for over 20 years I began to work with my father. One of my regrets is never finishing college… but I gained so much more knowledge learning from this lifelong businessman. Hard work, loyalty, respect, and the ins & outs of a small business. After working in the South Holland location w/ him for about five years we outgrew the place.
My fathers next big move was to a free-standing building in Thornton, Il. We have been here for four years now and business is still growing. All homemade soups and specials that change daily as well as a catering business that never stops. My father still works every day, still takes every catering call to this day. We have customers that come in that still talk about “ooooh I remember when your father was over at the gas station”. Jim’s mottos -Catering anytime, anywhere. No party to big or too small -Catering from the nicest guy in town
Has it been a smooth road?
Every small business has its day to day struggles. With that being said, my dad has been blessed for the staff & customers he has always had. It has been a pretty smooth road
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jimbooos Italian Beef & Catering story. Tell us more about the business.
We have always been known for our beef & homemade soups. We are most proud of our company for the volume of catering that we can handle. The staff that we have here is like family. The thing that sets us apart from other restaurants & catering companies is that we try to make you feel like family once you step in the door and we’ll do just about anything to accommodate to the needs of our customers.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It is hard to say, but since day one we have only gotten bigger. And it doesn’t look like that is stopping anytime soon.
Pricing:
- Small homemade soup $2.99 Large homemade soup $3.49
- Italian beef $5.99 (includes fries or homemade kettle chips)
- Specials (Paninis, Pretzel Bun Sandwichs) $6.99-7.99 includes fries & drink
Contact Info:
- Address: 106 E. Margaret Street
- Website: Jimbooosbeef.com
- Phone: (708) 877 7011
- Email: Jimboooscatering@gmail.com
- Facebook: Jimbooos Restaurant & Catering
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