Joliet Restaurant That Supported No Kings Rally Against Trump Holds 'Everything Must Go Sale'

Magpie's Joy of Eating, a sit-down restaurant on Ruby Street, is closing down after offering vocal support for the Joliet area No Kings Rally protests against President Donald Trump last summer.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:49pm

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Magpie's Joy of Eating, a sit-down restaurant in Joliet, Illinois, is holding an "Everything Must Go Sale" on Thursday and Friday as it prepares to close down. The restaurant had previously voiced support for the Joliet area No Kings Rally protests against former President Donald Trump. Meg Gillespie, the daughter of legendary football and baseball coach Gordie Gillespie, opened the restaurant in 2024 but is now shutting it down.

Why it matters

The closure of Magpie's Joy of Eating, a restaurant that actively supported local protests against the Trump administration, marks the end of a community-focused business that sought to provide a gathering place for those exercising their right to peaceful expression. Its shuttering reflects broader economic challenges facing small, independent restaurants in the Joliet area.

The details

Magpie's Joy of Eating posted on Facebook last June that the restaurant would be open and welcoming to those participating in the Joliet area No Kings Rally against then-President Trump, saying "we support peaceful expression and believe that sharing food and ideas is one of the oldest, most powerful forms of community care." The restaurant is now holding a two-day "Everything Must Go Sale" on Thursday and Friday, selling off tables, chairs, plates, glassware, and kitchen equipment as it prepares to close down permanently.

  • Magpie's Joy of Eating opened in January 2024.
  • In June 2025, the restaurant voiced support for the Joliet area No Kings Rally protests against President Trump.
  • On December 11, 2025, Meg Gillespie announced that Magpie's Joy of Eating and her other restaurant, Gordie's Thirty Buck, would not be reopening.

The players

Meg Gillespie

The daughter of legendary football and baseball coach Gordie Gillespie, Meg Gillespie opened Magpie's Joy of Eating in 2024 but is now shutting down the restaurant.

Gordie Gillespie

Meg Gillespie's father, Gordie Gillespie was a legendary football and baseball coach.

Magpie's Joy of Eating

A sit-down restaurant in Joliet, Illinois that is now holding an "Everything Must Go Sale" as it prepares to close down permanently.

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What they’re saying

“This weekend, voices will rise in Joliet and we'll be listening. As the city comes together for the No Kings rally on June 14, know that Magpie's is here for you, just a few blocks away, with open doors, warm plates and a place to reflect, and reconnect.”

— Magpie's Joy of Eating (Facebook)

“it is with sadness and heavy heart that I make this post. Magpie's Joy of Eating and Gordie's Thirty Buck will not be reopening.”

— Meg Gillespie (Facebook)

The takeaway

The closure of Magpie's Joy of Eating, a restaurant that actively supported local protests against the Trump administration, marks the end of a community-focused business that sought to provide a gathering place for those exercising their right to peaceful expression. Its shuttering reflects broader economic challenges facing small, independent restaurants in the Joliet area.