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A Former Marine Cook Transformed A 1945 Grocery Into A Beloved Illinois Tavern
['Robert Carson']
Ever After in the Woods
This longtime Illinois tavern began in 1945, when a former Marine cook purchased an existing corner store and transformed it into a neighborhood gathering place.
The structure that now houses The Olympic Tavern was originally a neighborhood grocery store dating back to 1945.
The thick walls, classic layout, and sturdy bones of the original structure are all still part of what makes the space feel grounded and authentic.
Founder Anthony Rotello served as a Marine cook during World War II before returning home and purchasing the business that became The Olympic Tavern.
The Warm And Lively Interior AtmosphereDark wood, low lighting, and a layout that feels both lively and comfortable define the interior of The Olympic Tavern.