Happy Joe's is preparing to open its newest PIZZAGRILLE located at The Mills at Riverbend Commons, 2900 River Drive in Moline, Illinois. Happy Joe's is celebrating their 43rd anniversary this year and in order to stay current, this new location will showcase the newest evolution of branding for the company.
The Happy Joe's PIZZAGRILLE will be located next to the Western Illinois University Campus, in the commercial level of the new housing development, The Mills at Riverbend Commons, spearheaded by Three Corners Development, Inc.
The evolution of Happy Joe's new branding strategy began in Maquoketa, Iowa, in 2009 when the décor was updated and a quaint little bar and expanded menu were added to appeal to the locals. In 2013 the company took over the Eldridge Happy Joe's location, along with Lancers Grill which is located in the same building. The Happy Joe's side received a few upgrades and our energy was focused on using knowledge obtained from the Maquoketa project to update the Lancer's Grill area. We rolled out a new grill décor and grill menu. The name also changed to 350 Grille, reflecting the address. This experience led to the idea of combining both Happy Joe's and the grill idea into one concept called Happy Joe's PIZZAGRILLE! In 2014 the West Locust Street was the first restaurant to have full implementation. The doors were closed at 1414 West Locust, and reopened at 1616 West Locust in the former Chef's Hat building. This location now supports new décor, a full-grille menu, and Tap Room offering over a dozen craft beer selections on tap, an all you can eat lunch smorgasbord, carry-out window, Sunday brunch, and seating for up to 150. The Milan, Illinois franchise location was renovated into a PIZZAGRILLE in February 2015, and just this past August, the Galesburg, Illinois, location was closed and moved down the street into a beautiful new building.
Larry Whitty, President stated, "We are excited to see the Happy Joe's brand continue to evolve from its humble beginnings in the Village of East Davenport in 1972, started by our father and founder Joe Whitty. Our brand continues its endless evolution of adjusting to stay relevant to the quickly changing social and consumer demands. The ne w standard that will not change is our pizza which will stay a Midwestern favorite. That old saying, 'our gum doesn't change, however, the wrapper does,' definitely applies here. The modifications to the latest prototype located at The Mills at Riverbend Commons are dramatic enhancements targeted to a younger demographic of the dynamic residential community that will house this restaurant. The developers of this property, Three Corners Development, are great people known for creating great results and we are proud to be affiliated with them!"
This is not your mom and dad's Happy Joe's. This "new generation" PIZZAGRILLE with a unique and urban-style décor is fun, young, and trendy with an industrial and outdoor active lifestyle feel. There is a covered outdoor seating area, as well as a party room that can seat 30-40. This newest location neighboring the Western Illinois University campus is the next step in the Happy Joe's PIZZAGRILLE evolution. This location will feature a coffee area with barista selections and delicious breakfast items, as well as lunch, dinner, snacks, and Joegurt (Happy Joe's twist on the frozen yogurt craze). The breakfast menu has been expanded to include grab-and-go selections, with premium coffee and espressos. This location will still offer the large breakfast pizza perfect for big groups or breakfast events, and the individual pan breakfast scramblers. The new lunch and dinner menu will consist of an array of pub-style cuisine, including new appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees, as well as your Happy Joe's favorites. Full table service and catering will be available, as well as delivery service to the Western Illinois campus and to the residents in the building where the PIZZAGRILLE resides. There is a private room perfect for meetings, birthday parties, corporate events, and large groups of any kind. Guests can also enjoy the covered outdoor seating and dining area with a beautiful river view.
Three Corners Development and The Mills at Riverbend Commons are excited and proud to be part of the Happy Joe's PIZZAGRILLE evolution!
There is still a small amount of retail space available. If you're interested in joining the excitement at The Mills at Riverbend Commons, please contact Jeff Miller, 563-650-7400 or jsmiller@ngkf.com.
Employment opportunities for all positions (including management, servers, and cooks) are available. Apply online at www.happyjoes.com/careers.php. Franchise opportunities are also available throughout the Midwest. To inquire, please contact President Larry Whitty at 563-332-8811, or larryw@happyjoes.com.
If you would like more information, please contact Kristel Whitty-Ersan at 563.332.8811, Ext. 203, or via e-mail at kristele@happyjoes.com.
