Launching Pad has a new owner

In December, we were the first to report that the Launching Pad Drive-In on Route 66 in Wilmington, Ill., was for sale. This restaurant is a Mother Road icon because of a 28-foot-tall fiberglass statue Gemini Giant, the only one of its kind.

Today, the Naperville Sun reports that Morey Szczecin of Channahon is the restaurant’s new owner. He took over last week.

Szczecin’s family owns and operates Janson’s Drive-In, located in the Beverly neighborhood on the southwest side of Chicago.

“Both restaurants are similar in nature and are family-owned and oriented,” Szczecin said.

To the relief of roadies, don’t expect any changes.

Szczecin is pleased to own such a unique part of history and looks forward to talking more with the locals as well as the travelers stopping by. He is hoping his two sons, David and Brian Szczecin, will join him.

“I am not changing anything,” Szczecin said. “I am keeping the employees, keeping the food the same and even keeping the vendors. I am also keeping all the Route 66 decorations. I am looking forward to seeing and meeting with the tour groups.”

Based on the rave reviews I’ve read online about Szczecin’s other restaurant, it sounds like the Launching Pad is in very good hands.

Meanwhile, the previous owners, Jerry and Sharon Gatties, are planning to travel during their retirement after 20 years with the restaurant.

The couple plans to finish up some projects around the house before doing some traveling, perhaps along Route 66.

“We would work day and night seven days a week,” Sharon Gatties said. “Traveling for too long was always out of the question because something could go wrong like the ice cream machine is broke or somebody didn’t show up for work.”