It’s been nearly 75 years since Jimmy Stefanovic, a hard-working European immigrant came to Chicago and invested in developing some unique sandwiches in the, now famous and historic, Maxwell Street area. Jimmy’s creation of the well-known and often duplicated “Maxwell Street Polish Sausage” and the Maxwell Street pork chop sandwich have become iconic sandwiches that represent the true essence of Maxwell Street’s impact on Chicago’s history and culture.
Open ‘24/7’ and originally on the corner of Maxwell and Halsted, Jim’s Original was the first business to welcome folks to Maxwell Street and has been continued to do so for three-quarters of a century. Jim’s Original has served their famous sandwiches for so long that they have become a part of Chicago culture and an icon bridging the past and the present.
Featured in major films like the Blues Brothers, as well as many food network shows such as Anthony Boudain’s Layover, Jim’s Original has achieved a tremendous amount of respect and notoriety within the restaurant industry. Past and present celebrities such as Ernie Banks and television news personalities like Steve Dolinsky and Jerry Taft have made Jim’s Original a regular stop.
Thank you Jim Sr., Jim Christopoulos, and the entire Jim’s Original’s family for the food and great memories! It is now Vienna Beef’s turn to acknowledge, congratulate and pay homage to one of the true Chicago hot dog icons by welcoming Jim’s Original into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame. From all of us at Vienna we say, “Thanks,” for the memories and wish you the best in the years to come.
