Ambassador Gina Johansen of
Keller Williams Realty Infinity joined the Chamber four years ago because she says she understands the value that comes from networking. A year later, she became an Ambassador. “It gives me the opportunity to be on the frontline,” she explained. “I get to welcome new businesses and hear about everything that’s happening. We welcome new
members, deliver their plaques, learn about their businesses and what ways we can help them make connections. “I love doing it. I like helping people. I really just try to be involved as much as I can. And I love our group of Ambassadors, too. Tey are good people. I believe in this community and this Chamber. I want to do everything I can to help it grow and be successful.”
Above, Chamber Ambassador
Gina Johansen presents the Suzy’s Bar & Grill Chamber membership plaque to owner Jason Davis. Jason says Gina is the reason he joined the Chamber. “I thought I couldn’t join because
I was a Plano resident, but she came in and explained it to me. I’m glad I joined! She also posts a weekly music list, Yorkville Music, telling people where they can go to hear live music.”
Left, live music outdoors at Suzy’s
pre-pandemic. Photo courtesy of Suzy’s. Below, Jason Davis serves up a
Suzy’s pizza. Photo by Paul E. Burd Photography.
Suzy’s Bar & Grill 4353 Tuma Rd., Yorkville 630-553-6500 Hrs: Sunday - Tursday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday & Saturday 4 to 9 p.m.
At Suzy’s you walk in a stranger and leave as a friend. Tat’s the motto for Suzy’s Bar & Grill, a long-time Yorkville staple, and owner
Jason Davis works hard to make it a reality. Jason has been involved with Suzy’s for 23 years, starting to work there when he was 21 years old as a DJ doing karaoke when the restaurant was still owned by original owner, Suzy, and her son, David. “She was a tiny little thing married to an Irishman,” Jason remembers. “All my friends came here. It was the funest bar around.” Jason said he moved on to bartending and cooking, and stayed on as an
employee even after Suzy sold to Mark and Lisa Coltrip 15 years ago. “Te people here, many of them are my best friends. We started out here. We all worked here. Many of my friends, like me, met their wives here. I love the people. I love the employees.” So, when the opportunity came to buy the place in 2014, Jason says that although he was scared, he decided to go for it. “I worried if someone else bought it, it would change and be gone.” So the pizza, something Jason says Suzy’s is well-known for, is still on the menu. With his background in booking bands,
Jason says live music is another Suzy’s plus. Te restaurant offers live outdoor music on its deck all summer long; volleyball leagues May to September; pool leagues; and Trivia Mondays. And the customers are still coming. Tey are loyal. “We try to keep people busy, give them something to do, especially during the pandemic,” Jason says. “Te people I’ve met here over the years, you just can’t beat them, the people in this area.”
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