Jim's Original UIC hot dog stand on Maxwell Street is moving to East Pilsen
Jim's Original, a hot dog stand known for its Maxwell Street-style Polish sausage, will be moving from its current location near the University of Illinois Chicago campus to the East Pilsen neighborhood after their lease expires at the end of June.
In a message posted to their Facebook page, the owners said they are relocating from their University Village stand at 1250 S. Union Av. to a new home at 551 W. 18th Street in East Pilsen.
"We can't wait to welcome you into the new space this fall!" they write.
The hot dog stand said UIC, which owns the building they currently call home, is planning to redevelop the property. They called that decision "bittersweet," and said currently they must vacate that location by June 30, but are hoping to work with UIC to negotiate an extension so they can remain in that building for "several more years—or at least until redevelopment begins."
Nothing overshadows the food, but what people also love about Jim's Original is its location near Maxwell Street, just off the Dan Ryan Expressway.
"We get them all; suits, doctors, lawyers, contractors, hardworking people," said general manager Betty Domagala.
Ioan Betea is a plumber who stops at Jim's between jobs.
"It's a great place. Been coming here for years," he said.
Alicia Martinez used to work nearby, but comes back for the Polish sausage.
"They're delicious. I had one at least once a week for 30 years," Martinez said.
Domagala has been working at Jim's for 32 years and knows its entire 87-year history.
Jim's Original first opened at the corner of Maxwell and Halsted streets in 1939 before moving to a new spot nearby in 2001 and then its current location in 2005.
"Obviously, nobody's happy about the move. We are very sad about it," Domagala said.
While they're aiming to open the new East Pilsen location as soon as possible, it's most likely not until the fall.
"It is very nice, but we need to do a lot of work on the inside," Domagala said.
For now, Jim's is still open on Union, as well as at their second location in Bucktown at 2775 N. Elston Avenue.
In the post, the owners thanked the community for "all the support over the more than 85 years on or near Maxwell Street."
"We're grateful for this community," they added, "and we can't wait to serve you in East Pilsen soon."
For some customers, good food is not only worth the wait, but worth following wherever it goes.
"If it's close to where I'm working, I'm still going to go," Betea said.
A UIC spokesperson said the university tried to extend the owner's lease, but ultimately Jim's Original's owner decided not to renew.
In advance of the expiration of Jim's Original lease agreement in Sept. 2025, UIC reached out to offer a lease extension with the option for UIC to terminate the lease.
Jim's Original proposed alternative lease rates and terms, which UIC accepted. Jim's Original chose to leave at the end of their new lease which terminates in June 2026.
The university values its 20-year retail partnership with Jim's Original and wishes it continued success at the new nearby location.
Long-term plans for the 1250 S. Union site have not been decided.