Jim’s Original relocation sparks neighborhood protest

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.

Some East Pilsen neighbors are already raising concerns, saying the move poses a public safety issue. They're gathering to protest the move on Wednesday.

Jim’s Original is Chicago’s oldest operating hot dog stand.

Located just off the Dan Ryan Expressway south of Roosevelt Road, it has long been a convenient stop for city workers, UIC students, late-night customers and shift workers, through both pleasant weather and harsh Chicago winters.

UIC plans to redevelop the area, forcing the stand to relocate.

Jim’s Original is negotiating an agreement that would allow it to remain at its current location until construction begins.

The new site is at 18th Street and Canalport Avenue, where the former Ken Tone’s restaurant once served similar fare.

East Pilsen neighbors note that Jim’s Original was the scene of a fatal shooting in 2024 and say the business generates noise and garbage.

What they're saying:

Gary Huerta has lived in East Pilsen for 47 years. He said, "Bringing in this hot dog stand biggest mistake you could make."

Andy Fox built a house in East Pilsen. He said, the group wants the city to do a traffic study: "The impact on traffic is overwhelmingly bad. I ride a bike. It’s bad on all levels. I don’t know anyone who would want a 24-hour hot dog stand on their block."

Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez promised to support his constituents, without driving away the business.

The general manager of Jim’s Original, Betty Domagala, said she was disheartened by the comments about the restaurant she has known and loved.

She said, "I’ve been working for Jim 32 years and this hit me so hard I lost my breath. We have all kinds of customers,  lawyers, doctors, all kinds, not gang bangers and criminals; it’s not true."

Customers at Jim’s Original on Wednesday said they were unaware of the concerns. Whether locals or tourists, they said they knew the landmark stand.

Cassidy Irwin said the location is "iconic, adorable, I love it."

Marta Kizyma visited from Denver. She said her husband told her, "It’s an OG Chicago place. We have to try it."

They say the family-friendly park area is not the right fit for Jim’s Original.

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