Designated Drivers Get Free Food at On Pub

The designated driver program at Tom Kelly's Chophouse and Pub aims to keep patrons safe.

One restaurant owner has come up with a plan to keep party-goers safe. At Tom Kelly's Chop House & Pub, 495 Degroate Road, the designated driver gets free non-alcoholic drinks and a no-cost appetizer of his or her choice. "We've been doing it on the weekends," and it's bound to be popular over the upcoming three-day St. Patrick's Day celebration, said Brett Trumpey, part-owner of Tom Kelly's.    Sitting with a group of friends who are drinking while you can't tends to put a damper on the night. So Trumpey came up with a plan to help those who have accepted the role of designated driver. "W e want them to have fun too." A little free food and free non-alcoholic drinks is sometimes just enough to keep a designated driver happy. It keeps the …

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Hey! Look What Entertainment New Lenox Restaurants have Planned for New Year's Eve

If you want local New Year's Eve entertainment, check out the list of local establishments.

Why not bring in the New Year and stay local! New Lenox has some great options for you to gather with some friends and family to welcome 2013. While the menu packages and drink options vary, one thing  is certain. There will be entertainment and a count down to midnight. Tom E. Hartsung American Legion, 14414 Ford Dr., has a Live DJ: Gattos Restaurant & Bar, 1938 E Lincoln Hwy, Suite 110, has a rock band. Tom Kelly's Chophouse & Pub, 495 Degroate Rd., has a live DJ. Readers might like: What are your plans for tonight? Tell us in the comments. Two ways to stay connected:

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Autumn At Food and Wine Festival on Oct. 6 at Yunkder Farm

Food sampling from local restaurants and wine tasting will take place at Yunker Farm from noon to 6 p.m.

The Mokena Chamber is celebrating autumn with its ninth annual Mokena Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Historic Yunker Farm. The festival is being held in association with the Mokena Park District and runs from noon to 6 p.m. at the farm at 10824 LaPorte Road in Mokena. Guests will be able to sample wines provided by Berkot’s Super Foods and food provided by participating restaurants including Tom Kelly’s Chophouse & Pub, Berkot’s, Chicago Blu Grill & Bar, Little Joe’s Famous Pizza, Pepper Mill Family Restaurant, Nancy’s Pizza, Eggcetera Café, Boston’s Gourmet Pizza and Smokey Barque. Music will be provided by the Illinois Philharmonic Quintet and the Chico Smorgallees Jazz Ensemble. You must be 21 and older to attend.     …

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Locally Owned

Tom Kelly's Brings 'Fun Pub Atmosphere' to New Lenox

Irish heritage plays a big part of this local bar and restaurant.

With one owner having emigrated from Ireland and another growing up with the restaurant business, Tom Kelly's Chophouse & Pub provides a fun Irish-American restaurant in New Lenox. Kelly Trumpey, one of four co-owners at the restaurant, worked at her parents' restaurants since she was 15. Her parents, Pat and Jerry Lavery, owned Lavery's restaurants in the south suburbs. They wanted to open a different type of place and thought New Lenox was a great location. "Lavery’s more of a restaurant and banquets," Trumpey said. "Tom Kelly's is a little more versatile. Our food business has increased, but we also have a fun pub atmosphere. It's somewhere you can bring your kids or watch the game, and we also have a good nightlife. We have a little …

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