Truck-driver-turned-restaurant-owner Phill Miller wanted to open a pizza restaurant that had ribs and wings on the menu.
And with a little bit of research, he got just that.
“This is my first restaurant,” said Phill Miller, 61, of Morton. “I’ve been in the trucking business for 30 years, traveled all over the country, eaten at a lot of restaurants and saw what I liked. I’ve always had a dream of having my own.”
Jimano’s Pizza, 800 Meadows Ave., East Peoria, opened its doors to customers Dec. 30.
Phill Miller and his nephew, Mike Miller, saw the building — which previous housed The Mad Italian — as a prime location.
“I’ve always liked this neighborhood,” Phill Miller said. “And, it lacks a good restaurant.”
Phill Miller said he did a great deal of research and attended trade shows before choosing the restaurant.
In total, the Jimano’s franchise has 17 restaurants open throughout the country, most found near Chicago.
Mike Miller, the restaurant manager, said they were both drawn to the fresh ingredients used by Jimano’s Pizza.
“Every other place, everything comes in bags,” Mike Miller said. “Everything here is going to be fresh instead of the cookie-cutter type deals.”
He said there are 30 different pizza items on the menu, including deep dish pizza, barbecue pizza and taco pizza. And, of course, those ribs and wings are available, too.
Phill Miller said most Jimano’s restaurants focus on carry out and delivery. However, the East Peoria restaurant includes a dining area that seats more than 70 people.
“Everything has gone pretty smooth,” Phill Miller said. “The building really suits itself well.”
Phill Miller went a different route with the decorations in the restaurant, he said.
“So many restaurants and taverns have sport’s memorabilia. I didn’t want to do that,” he said. “I wanted to do something different. So, we have antique cars. People really enjoy the pictures.”
Both Millers said they have many goals for the future of the business. For instance, soon they are going to purchase TVs and also begin catering for events.
The restaurant delivers everywhere in East Peoria, Morton and Sunnyland, Phill Miller said. They also deliver to the edge of Washington and in Peoria, between the Bob Michel Bridge and Murray Baker Bridge.
“I love it. This is what I’ve wanted for a long time,” he said. “We’re all proud of it.”
The restaurant is open 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
For more information, call 694-9840, or visit Jimanos.com.
