Tom’s Place Celebrates 100 Years
Photo by Molly Hebda Photography
Hollywood doesn’t give it the attention it deserves but you can live a big, full life in a small town. You can start a family, make a name for yourself, know your neighbors, and build a business that continues to bring the community together nearly a century later. We’ve seen it happen.
From Left: Tom Laketa Jr., Big Tom Laketa, and Milan Laketa | Photo Courtesy of Tom’s Place
Thomas Laketa arrived in Lemont in 1924. A first-generation European immigrant, he had worked all over the United States: the copper mines of Arizona, the lumber yards and gold mines of Colorado, and the ore mines of Wisconsin. After a brief stop through Texas, Tom found his way on a train to Illinois and disembarked in Chicago to a job at American Steel & Wire in Dekalb, Illinois.
It was a good job where he made a good living.
Still focused on his job at the steel mill, Tom saved up his earnings to purchase a small bar at 105 Stephen Street (now the location of Hayes Auto). The owner was selling it for $250 and while the price may seem inexpensive today, folks often joke that he really only bought three walls. The fourth wall was the side of what we know today as La Dolce Vita. Tom’s Place would move here in 1930 and stay at the corner of Stephen and Talcott until 1948.
The concept of the bar was simple, good service for good people and Tom’s Place quickly found success in Lemont.
Shortly after his arrival, he met a girl from Joliet, Mary Bjekich, and a few years later, they married. Their nuptials were mentioned in a 1928 issue of the Lemont Herald, stating “the happy couple are residing in Lemont on Talcott Ave. The groom is one of Lemont’s popular businessmen.” During their marriage, they were blessed with four children: Milan, Tom Jr., Donald, and Peter.
Now, you may be doing the math and wondering, how did Tom’s Place operate as a tavern in 1924 when it was the peak of the prohibition era in Chicago and the rest of the country? Well, friends, we’ll ask you to read between the lines.
There were lots of “soft drink parlors” in the 1920s and 1930s and a rise in soda shops – the classic counter scoops shops where you can share confectionaries and a cup of Coca-Cola. While we’re not sure of their early menu and drink service, it seems as though federal and Cook County officials rarely investigated Lemont, once home to Smokey Row. Tom’s Place was mostly kept hush by residents and visitors alike until their first advertisements in Lemont papers in 1933, when the nationwide prohibition ended.
Tom’s Place stayed on the east side of Stephen Street for 24 years before moving to the present-day location at 110 Stephen Street. However, for a century, it’s always been the bar where folks know your name, where you can grab a cold beer after work, or enjoy a signature cocktail as you celebrate a special occasion.
It’s our Cheers!
Milan and Tom Jr. went to work for their father in the family business when they returned home from the Korean War. In 1962, Tom Sr. semi-retired and turned the business over to his sons Milan and Tom Jr.
For over 50 years, Tom was known as “Big Tom” by patrons of his tavern and throughout the community. Even children affectionately referred to him as ‘Uncle’ Tom. He lived a full life, enjoying time with his wife, sons, and ten grandchildren. Tom Laketa, Sr. passed away in January 1990 and his wife, Mary, passed away in May 1997.
From Left: Milan and Elaine Laketa, former owners of Tom’s Place and their son, Mark Laketa, current owner of Tom’s Place | Photo Courtesy of Tom’s Place
Tom’s Place is still family-owned and operated by Mark Laketa, son of Milan and Elaine. It is the oldest tavern to be continuously operated by generations of the same family in Lemont .
Aside from our Seven Steeples in Lemont, the red, white, and blue ‘Drink Blatz Beer’ and ‘Tom’s Place’ sign that glows in green neon at night has made its way to Illinois history, the hearts of many locals and visitors alike, and feature films like Save the Last Dance (2001), Soul Survivors (2001), and Straight Talk (1992) starring Dolly Parton. You’ll often find it glowing in the backdrop of Sunset Soirees or any evening festival.
Even your first visit to Tom’s Place brings instant nostalgia with its tin-tiled ceiling and walls adorned with memorabilia. You’ll find today’s new residents out celebrating a bachelorette or bachelor party, visitors making a pit stop on their way through town, and you’ll find long-time Lemonters meeting up to grab an old-school beer and try their hand at a few video games.
As a village, we’re so happy that Tom Laketa set his sights on Lemont.
Mark Laketa, current owner of Tom’s Place, with the Tom’s Place 100th Anniversary Car
Leave Your Well Wishes
Use the comment section of this blog to leave your well wishes to Tom’s Place! We’ll share your comments, memories, stories, and more with Mark and his team.
Turning 100
On August 10, 2024, Tom’s Place turns 100 years old and a century’s worth of friends, family, and visitors will be out to celebrate. Join the festival in Lemont Downtown on Stephen Street from 4-10 PM to enjoy food, drinks, live music, and giveaways as we mark the momentous occasion.
