Goodbye Chili Mac’s, Hello Jersey Mike’s Subs

While Chili Mac’s 5-Way Chili recently closed its doors after 21 years, popular sandwich joint Jersey Mike’s is already transforming the space in preparation for a grand opening later this year.

Jersey Mike’s already has three locations in Chicago and more than 500 locations in the United States. And while it seems like Chili Macs just announced its leave from East Lake View, Vice President of Franchise Relations Josephine Capozzi said Jersey Mike’s already has an idea of when they’ll be open to the public.

“Jersey Mike's is excited to bring our fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs to Lake View,” wrote Capozzi in an email. “We anticipate the new restaurant at 3152 N. Broadway to open by the end of the year.”

The sub shop’s Chicagoland Director Dan Shanahan added that Jersey Mike’s has a lot of passionate fans in Chicago already, and he believes Lake View residents “will love our fresh sliced/fresh grilled East Coast-style subs, too.”

“I’m seeing a lot of longtime businesses that have been here 25 to 30 years leave, but a lot people retire. It’s time."

This comes after Chili Mac’s announcement on Aug. 17 that they no longer planned to operate in Lake View. Tito Garcia, one of the restaurant owners, took to Chili Mac’s Facebook page to notify fans of the decision.

“It is with great sadness that we are saying goodbye to all our customers, friends and fans of Chili Macs 5 Way Chili,” Garcia wrote. “It has been a great ride that has lasted 20 years! Thank you for including us in the community, in your social events and celebrations and mostly in your daily lives. Our doors will be closing on August 31st please come in for 1 more chili, pizza or margarita before then! Sincerely Tito, Arturo, the Garcia family and our wonderful staff!”

And Jersey Mikes’ venture into East Lake View hasn’t been the only big announcement on Broadway lately. The House of Fine Chocolates and Lakeview Flower Shop both announced they’re ready to shut down, and according to Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Director Maureen Martino, the trend may be due to recent market changes.

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“It’s very sad,” Martino said. “I’m seeing a lot of longtime businesses that have been here 25 to 30 years leave, but a lot people retire. It’s time. The market’s gone up much higher. Sometimes owners get the decision of rebuilding their business plan or just say, ‘You know what? I just don’t have the energy, and it’s time to move on.’”

However, while some local businesses are closing, even more businesses are sprouting up on Broadway. Both the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market and mega-Walgreens are in their build-out phases, and new restaurant Dryhop Brewers is slated to open later this year. 

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