First Chicago Maid-Rite opens in Lincoln Park

[cigaretteman]

The area’s very first Maid-Rite just opened Saturday in Lincoln Park. Franchisee Rob Svendsen, a former trader and financial advisor, says he was looking for something to do in the next phase of his life, and decided Chicago needed a branch of the iconic Iowa chain known for loose-meat sandwiches. “I didn’t do any significant, quantifiable research,†Svendsen says. “I was born in Galesburg, [Ill.], and they had a Maid-Rite in Galesburg that I would visit when I visited my grandmother. I couldn’t believe that there wasn’t already one in Chicago, that there had never been one.â€
He chose the DePaul-area location because it’s a 10-minute walk from his home and his kids’ schools.
Maid-Rite’s signature sandwich features braised, seasoned ground beef on a proprietary sweet bun, topped with ketchup, mustard, onion and pickle, with variations including cheese-topped versions. “Purists won’t put ketchup or cheese on it,†Svendsen says.
The menu also offers Iowa-style breaded pork tenderloin and pulled pork sandwiches, seasoned fries, salads, soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes and breakfast items, among other fare. This location, at 2429 N. Lincoln, will be the first to serve smoked in-house baby back ribs, another Iowa favorite.

First Chicago Maid-Rite opens in Lincoln Park - Chicago Sun-Times

 

[Daserop]

I don't get why so many people like Maid-Rite. Personally, they are way overpriced for what you get.

 

[Wesley]

More Loose Meat sandwiches for the park? Personally I prefer Chic Fil-A.

 

[CLONECONES]

taylor's maid rite in marshalltown

yuuuuuuuuuuup

 

[Rabbuk]

I don't see it doing well in Lincoln park.

 

[helechopper]

Not a fan really but if it catches on with the DePaul students, then they gotta real shot at success.

 

[agrabes]

But will they serve ketchup? If they do, Marshalltowners will murder the staff in their sleep.

 

[50244]

Cyclone pictures included in the decor. Owner is a Bama alum so recognizes and appreciates the significance of last years win vs the Cowboys. Great food and hoping this is a big success.

 

[dmclone]

The one in marshalltown should be the model. We have one in Johnston and it's totally different (not in a good way). The circular counter, the customer service, the small town feel, etc.

 

[Gonzo]

Not a fan really but if it catches on with the DePaul students, then they gotta real shot at success.

Agreed. That's the market.

 

[Clonefan94]

But will they serve ketchup? If they do, Marshalltowners will murder the staff in their sleep.

What is it with people not allowing you to eat a sandwich how you might like it? Probably won't allow kethcup here in Chicago with the Maid Rite either, if that's tradition. There are a couple hot dog places that don't serve ketchup because you aren't supposed to eat ketchup on a hot dog. It's a hot dog, or a meat sandwitch, we aren't talking dry aged prime beef here, which, imho, if you pay $40 for a steak, you should be able to eat it however the **** you want as well.

I understand the whole "True flavor" thing, but seriously, if you like ketchup, you should be able to eat it.

 

[Rabbuk]

What is it with people not allowing you to eat a sandwich how you might like it? Probably won't allow kethcup here in Chicago with the Maid Rite either, if that's tradition. There are a couple hot dog places that don't serve ketchup because you aren't supposed to eat ketchup on a hot dog. It's a hot dog, or a meat sandwitch, we aren't talking dry aged prime beef here, which, imho, if you pay $40 for a steak, you should be able to eat it however the **** you want as well.

I understand the whole "True flavor" thing, but seriously, if you like ketchup, you should be able to eat it.

Chicago dogs don't have ketchup on them you heathen.

 

[3TrueFans]

Chicago dogs don't have ketchup on them you heathen.

They screwed those up just like they did pizza.

 

[Rabbuk]

They screwed those up just like they did pizza.

I'm not going to defend the pizza, deep dish is bad.

 

[VeloClone]

All I know is that article excerpt with the menu in it literally made my mouth water.

 

[VeloClone]

They screwed those up just like they did pizza.

I'm not going to defend the pizza, deep dish is bad.

With pizza - just like with women - variety is the spice of life.

Luckily with pizza I'm not tied down to just one.

 

[Clonefan94]

Chicago dogs don't have ketchup on them you heathen.

Chicago Dogs may not have ketchup on them, mine do. I like ketchup on a Hot Dog, it tastes better.

the funniest part of that whole argument is the hot dog itself. Almost everyone in Chicago serves a beef hot dog. Real hot dogs aren't beef they are pork.

 

[ianoconnor]

Count me as another who thinks Maid Rite is vastly overrated.

 

[3TrueFans]

All loose meat sandwiches need to be sloppy, the sloppier the better.

 

[Rabbuk]

All loose meat sandwiches need to be sloppy, the sloppier the better.

So many crude jokes could be made.