Chicago Culinary Landmark Jim’s Original Relocating Flagship Store Amid Redevelopment
Jim’s Original, a cornerstone of the Chicago food scene and a self-described legacy of the city’s historic Maxwell Street trade, has announced that its flagship location is relocating. The move comes as the establishment prepares to transition from its long-time home in University Village to the city’s Pilsen neighborhood.
The decision follows plans shared by the business’s landlord, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), to redevelop the site currently located at 1250 S. Union Ave. While the transition marks the end of an era for the University Village site, the business is positioning the move as a new chapter in its decades-long history of serving the city.
In a social media announcement, the hot dog stand expressed a mix of nostalgia and optimism regarding the shift. “While it’s bittersweet, we’re looking forward to what’s next and building a great new permanent home for Jim’s Original,” the post stated.
Transition to Pilsen and Current Negotiations
The new flagship location is planned for 551 W. 18th St. In the Pilsen neighborhood. According to the announcement, the stand expects the new site to open this fall.
Despite the planned move, the business is not vacating its current premises immediately. Jim’s Original indicated that it is currently working with the University of Illinois Chicago to negotiate a lease extension. This agreement would allow the stand to remain at its 1250 S. Union Ave location for several more years, or at least until the actual redevelopment of the property begins.
The move to Pilsen represents a significant shift in geography for the flagship, though the business continues to maintain a strong presence in other parts of the city. Jim’s Original continues to operate its North Side location at 2775 N. Elston Ave, situated at the intersection of Western, Diversey, and Elston.
A Legacy Rooted in Maxwell Street
Jim’s Original occupies a unique place in Chicago’s culinary history, billing itself as the longest continuously operating hot dog stand to have once done business on Maxwell Street. This connection to the historic market area is central to the brand’s identity and its menu.
The establishment claims to be the creator of the Original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich. This specific offering was first developed in 1943 by the business’s founder, Jimmy Stefanovic. The Polish sausage remains a signature item, linking the modern business to the mid-century street food culture of Chicago.
“From day one to today, your support has meant everything to us,” the business shared in its announcement. “Thank you for showing up, spreading the word, and making Jim’s Original part of your story—we’ll keep the grills going and we can’t wait to keep serving you at our next home.”
Key Details of the Relocation
- Current Flagship Address: 1250 S. Union Ave (University Village)
- New Flagship Address: 551 W. 18th St. (Pilsen)
- Expected Opening: Fall 2026
- Landlord: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
- Secondary Location: 2775 N. Elston Ave (North Side)
The relocation highlights the ongoing tension between the preservation of historic local businesses and the expansion and redevelopment goals of major urban institutions like UIC. For patrons of Jim’s Original, the move to Pilsen ensures that the legacy of Jimmy Stefanovic’s 1943 creation continues in a new environment.
The next confirmed milestone for the business is the opening of the Pilsen location, expected later this fall. Updates regarding the specific opening date and the results of the lease negotiations with UIC are anticipated as the redevelopment timeline becomes clearer.
Do you have memories of Jim’s Original on Maxwell Street or at the Union Ave location? Share your stories in the comments below.