Chicago Couple Wins Halloween Decorating Contest

Susie Jendro and Mike Colesworthy transformed their yard into a replica of the iconic Johnnie's Beef.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Food and Drink

Chicago Couple Wins Halloween Decorating Contest

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Local residents Susie Jendro and Mike Colesworthy earned top honors in a joint Halloween decorating contest hosted by the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ. The couple gained recognition for their front-yard tribute to the Elmwood Park restaurant Johnnie's Beef.

Why it matters

The display serves as a neighborhood tribute to a beloved local establishment while showcasing community creativity. It highlights how residents use shared cultural landmarks to foster engagement during the Halloween season.

The couple spent $350 on materials to complete the display on the 1900 block of North Oak Park Avenue. They sourced nearly half of their materials from neighbor-discarded garbage and repurposed plexiglass to mimic the restaurant's window.

The players

Susie Jendro and Mike Colesworthy

They are the Chicago residents who designed the award-winning Halloween display.

Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ

These media organizations collaborated to host the citywide Halloween decorating contest.

Johnnie's Beef

This is a popular local restaurant located in Elmwood Park that served as the inspiration for the winning display.

The details

Jendro and Colesworthy started collecting materials in July for their Galewood home display, which includes skeletons and signage modeled after the original Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park. The restaurant owners even supported the effort by donating food for the couple's upcoming Halloween party.

Summer 2017: The couple moved into their home on North Oak Park Avenue.
July 2026: The couple began collecting materials for their display.
October 30, 2026: The story was published.

Industry Dynamics

This story follows a pattern set by the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ Halloween decorating contest, which encourages residents to engage in thematic neighborhood displays. The trend reflects a broader shift toward community-driven pop culture tributes that leverage local nostalgia.

The couple plans to host a Halloween party to celebrate their win and the local community. Residents can view the replica display at the 1900 block of North Oak Park Avenue.

The takeaway

Creative community displays can turn modest materials into engaging public art that resonates with local pride. Residents interested in home decorating can repurpose discarded items to significantly reduce costs while achieving professional-looking results.