The Brief
- Jim’s Original, Chicago’s oldest operating hot dog stand, is preparing to leave its longtime Maxwell Street location after more than 85 years as UIC moves forward with redevelopment plans.
- The restaurant plans to relocate to 18th Street and Canalport Avenue, but some East Pilsen neighbors are protesting the move, citing public safety, noise and garbage concerns.
- Despite the opposition, customers and visitors described Jim’s Original as a beloved Chicago institution, while neighbors are seeking answers from Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez about the proposed relocation.
CHICAGO – There’s been a lot of nostalgia surrounding Jim’s Original hot dog and Polish sausage stand as it prepares to leave the University of Illinois Chicago and Maxwell Street area after more than 85 years.
The backstory:
The stand’s new location is around the corner, between the South Loop and Pilsen.…