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Grubsteakers Reopens 17 Months After Tornado

Grubsteakers was a popular highway stop at the intersection of Illinois 251 and Illinois 64 when it was devastated by a tornado on April 9 of last year. 

Owner Ava Mirtoska saved 11 people that night by herding them into the restaurant’s basement, and the location’s strong community connections motivated her to start anew.

"This is like a home for most of the regulars," she said, "and that’s one big reason I rebuilt it and went back into business." 

Today, Mirtoska opened the doors to a parking lot full of gracious clients.

Credit Jenna Dooley / WNIJ
Photos taken the night of the tornado at Grubsteakers

“They can’t wait. They said,  "This is it. This is the day we were waiting for a year and a half,'” she said. 
"All of them are happy to be back and I am happy to see them."

Today was a chance for regulars to reconnect and get the chance to dine in the new building.  Mirtoska says Grubsteakers will hold its formal Grand Opening on October 1.

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