Owner of Mark's on Route 59 Placed on Electronic Monitoring

Shorewood restaurant owner Mark Kafka faces domestic battery charges and divorce proceedings

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Mark Kafka, the 54-year-old owner of the long-running Mark's on Route 59 restaurant in Shorewood, Illinois, has been placed on electronic monitoring by a Will County judge, despite his defense attorney's objections. Kafka was arrested on domestic battery charges and his wife has also filed for divorce and obtained an emergency order of protection against him.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges facing small business owners who face legal troubles, as well as the broader issue of domestic violence and the use of electronic monitoring as a tool for pretrial supervision.

The details

Kafka was arrested on February 8th and spent two days in the Will County Jail before being placed on electronic monitoring. The criminal complaint alleges that Kafka struck his wife about the head. His wife has also filed for divorce and obtained an emergency order of protection to keep Kafka away from their home. Despite his defense attorney's objections, the judge ordered Kafka to wear an electronic monitoring device so that pretrial services can monitor his whereabouts.

  • Kafka was arrested on February 8th.
  • Kafka spent two days, February 9-10, in the Will County Jail.
  • Kafka's next hearing is scheduled for February 19th at 9am.

The players

Mark Kafka

The 54-year-old owner of the Mark's on Route 59 restaurant in Shorewood, Illinois, who was arrested on domestic battery charges.

Steven Haney

Kafka's long-time Joliet criminal defense attorney who objected to the request for electronic monitoring.

Chrystal Gavlin

The Will County judge who ordered Kafka to be placed on electronic monitoring despite his attorney's objections.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges facing small business owners who face legal troubles, as well as the broader issue of domestic violence and the use of electronic monitoring as a tool for pretrial supervision. It raises questions about bail reform, public safety, and the rights of the accused.