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Jim's Original, 24-Hour Restaurant Near 95th Red Line, To Close Monday

By Tanveer Ali | November 7, 2014 12:37pm | Updated on November 10, 2014 8:40am
 One of two locations of Jim's Original, a Chicago chain synonymous with the Maxwell Street Polish, will close at 8 a.m. Monday as the CTA ramps up work on the $240 million overhaul of the nearby 'L' station, according to the restaurant.
Jim's Original
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ROSELAND — A Roseland institution serving up sausages and burgers 24 hours a day steps from the 95th Street Red Line station will close Monday morning.

One of two locations of Jim's Original, a Chicago chain synonymous with the Maxwell Street Polish sausages, will close at 8 a.m. Monday as the CTA ramps up work on the $240 million overhaul of the nearby 'L' station, according to the restaurant.

"Some of the customers are really sad about it," said Betty Domagala, the restaurant's assistant manager who has worked there for 21 years. "They come here after parties, after getting off the train. They're going to miss it."

Domagala said some of the 16 workers at the restaurant at 16 E. 95th St. will get jobs at the "Original" Jim's Original in University Village, 1250 S. Union Ave.

Opened in 1990, the Roseland restaurant with a walk-up window is a popular among neighborhood residents who need a quick bite to eat that features the Polish sausages topped with mustard, Spanish onions and sport peppers.

"I've been buying from here for years," said Wilma Collins. "I love everything they have."

The transit agency filed a lawsuit in 2013 to acquire the property, according to county records.

After both sides negotiated a deal, a Oct. 24 judgment ruled that the property would be sold to the CTA for $535,000.

The CTA is currently finalizing relocation fees with the restaurant, according to the agency.

The restaurant's owner, Jim Christopoulos, didn't immediately provide comment.

As the CTA moves forward on station work that is expected to be completed in 2017, Jim's customers made it clear that they don't want the closing to be permanent.

"It's a shame. This place is a convenient place to pick up a meal after coming of the 'L,'" said Eric Scott, 43, of Morgan Park.

Asked where Far South Side residents should go to fill the void, Domagala said there are few other choices.

"There are some others out there with Polish sausages, but they aren't as good," Domagala said. "They copy us."

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