The Ace Drive-In first opened in 1949, under the ownership of Irene and Harold Voitik, to feature their signature and beloved homemade root beer recipe. A fixture in Joliet since its opening, the extant original building was relocated from another location in the community to vacant farm land at its current site. In 1963, the Votiks sold the business to Bill and Ardie Youngren, who operated it until it was sold to employees and brothers, Rich and Tom Pierson, in 1983. The brothers kept the menu largely the same, and in 1993, they shared with the Chicago Tribune that they served 150 gallons of root beer a day. The Pierson family continues to operate the drive-in, and in 2025 celebrated their 42nd season. The restaurant is open seasonally and still serves customers at picnic tables or from trays that attach to car doors from spring through fall. See the website for hours and details. On Thursdays, Ace Drive-In hosts vintage car owners and enthusiasts for "Cruise Nights" after 6:30 p.m.