Please Help Save Johnny O's

Update: 10/1/19  - My name is Mimi Dwyer and I am a friend of Pete's who's created this GoFundMe Page.   I will be depositing the donations into my personal account.  Pete already has received $600  in cash on 9/21/19.  

Thanks for your support.  Please go and support the hot dog stand while it's still open. 


PLEASE HELP SAVE JOHNNY O’S

In March of 2017, Pete lost his beloved brother unexpectedly to heart failure.  Five months later John Veliotis, (aka Johnny O’s) his father passed away due to kidney failure.  Pete then inherited his father’s small local business - Johnny O’s, a hotdog stand and convenience store.   Johnny O’s has been operating at the same location for over 50 years.

Ever since Johnny died, the business has been struggling. Pete’s father took out a business loan prior to his death and they are now forced to pay the remaining balance in full or they risk losing their property.  He’s also had financial trouble keeping up on licenses, taxes and inventory. Pete and his two young children live above the store.  They would lose their home and their business all at once if this loan were not repaid by October.

 Johnny’s O’s has been a small local business that has given to the community over the years. The store and owner have donated to local schools, events and non profit organizations throughout the city of Chicago.  We now are asking for help from the community to help save the store and Pete’s home for him and his two children.

Here is a little history on Johnny’s O’s

John Veliotis started his business at the age of 12 pushing a hot dog cart on the streets near Comiskey Park, Chicago. He expanded to two carts and opened his first restaurant, called Johnny O's Famous Beef Stand, at 812 W. 31st St. He owned several other restaurants throughout the years and became a mainstay at our current location for over 50 years . Johnny O’s has been a staple on the Southside of Chicago for many years.  People come from far and wide for their food.  His tamale on hotdog “Mother in Law” was featured on TLC’s show “Best Food Ever”.

What funds we receive on this page will go to:

1.     Repayment of bank loan in full.

2.     Any outstanding licenses, permits that would need renewing.

3.     Get the store up and running again with adequate product and stock.

4.    Renovations for the store

Johnny O’s is a small business that values their patrons and employees and treat everyone like family. 

They have always lend a helping hand to those that needed it and although it’s hard for them to ask for help, I am creating this Gofundme page in hopes that it will help in their time of need and give them the needed resources to save their business and home.  Please donate if possible before October approaches. 

Thank you in advance. To find out more about Johnny O's and it's great history, click onto link below. 

http://www.johnnyoshotdogs.com/