This summer Tom Sacco, CEO and president of the Happy Joe’s restaurant chain, received a phone call from Eric Ellenberger.

Ellenberger, who had owned the used-car lot just north of the Happy Joe’s building on Tenney Street, told Sacco that the lawn around the restaurant building needed attention.

Ellenberger offered to keep the lawn mowed. Sacco accepted the offer and told Ellenberger to send him a bill for the work.

About a month later Ellenberger had become one of two Kewaneeans to take over the franchise for the local restaurant, which had been closed since May.

The restaurant, extensively remodeled, opened to the public Monday, and a host of Happy Joe’s officials were in Kewanee to celebrate. Co-franchisee Jamie O’Neill made the opening official by cutting through a mammoth pepperoni pizza (in lieu of the traditional ribbon cutting).

“We’re glad to be back open,” said Sacco, who also dubs himself Happy Joe’s Chief Happiness Officer.

He said he feels Ellenberger and O’Neill, with their knowledge of operating a business and the fact that they know so many people in Kewanee, were ideal candidates to take over the restaurant.

The newly-remodeled restaurant features new menu screens on flatscreen monitors, a new buffet area and ice cream parlor, and even a bar where people can sit and enjoy beer, wine and seltzer drinks.

There’s also a revamped game room, and the party room is still available.

Sacco said the aim of Happy Joe’s is to provide not just good food, but a great dining experience.

“We’re in the business of creating happy guests,” he said.

As for the payments to Ellenberger for mowing the lawn around Happy Joe’s, Sacco said he never received a bill. After Ellenberger had obtained the franchise, Sacco offered to pay him for his work, but Elleberger told him the opportunity to run the restaurant was payment enough.