Here at Accel Entertainment, we consider our locations (and their owners) part of our family and we love every opportunity to show off our family members! In this extended location feature, we are highlighting our location Bonnie's Dining & Banquets in Willow Springs, IL.
Before opening a store front in Willow Springs in 1989, Jim and Bonnie ran the increasingly popular Illinois Billiard Club for several years, first out of their own basement and then out of a storefront on South Pulaski Road. Now, they are famous for being the oldest privately-run billiard club in North America.
Stepping into Bonnie’s Dining and Banquets is like stepping back in time in the best way possible. With intricately etched mirrors - all designed and hand-crafted by Jim or his partners - and the engaging player piano that sits near the tables, the dining room is beautifully decorated with dark wood finishes and gives off an air of comfortable luxury. Attached to the main dining room is the official Illinois Billiard Club pool hall, where the buffet-style food, full bar, and six top-of-the-line billiard tables are housed. The tables range in size and value, with a traditional carom (pocketless) table from the turn of the twentieth century to a billiard table designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Bonnie’s Banquets and Dining gives off a strong family-friendly atmosphere and Jim Parker emphasizes the personal relationship he tries to build with his customers and his staff. Bonnie’s and the Illinois Billiard Club have a strong community surrounding it and Jim considers his returning customers and his staff part of the Bonnie’s family. In fact, some of the staff have worked with the Parkers for almost 30 years – some even started with the Parkers in their freshman year of high school!
Recently, Jim and Bonnie Parker were ready to take the next step – adding gaming to Bonnie’s Dining & Banquets. In the tail-end of 2018, Bonnie’s officially went live with gaming through their partner Accel Entertainment – and Jim couldn’t be happier about it. He is excited to meet new patrons through his new gaming area and is excited about the business it is bringing to his establishment. Through his personal Accel Relationship Manager, Ange, he was able to get started marketing his new slot machines to all of Willow Springs and has now signed up to participate in Accel’s Million Dollar Giveaway.
In the near future, Jim plans on introducing a new “Mini Menu” with food options specifically geared towards his new slots players. The menu will consist of six popular items from his regular menu that will span breakfast, lunch, and dinner and be available from 8 am to close. If you are looking to visit a great Accel location with a great atmosphere, we can’t recommend Bonnie’s Dining & Banquets (and the Illinois Billiard Club) enough! Be sure to check them out next time you are in Willow Springs or anytime at their website bonniesdiningandbanquets.com.
Do you want to be featured on The Winning Ticket? Reach out to us at hello@accelentertainment.com and let us know what makes your business stand out!