ARCHER HEIGHTS — Machetes Big Quesadillas boasts the slogan: "To kill hunger."
The new Archer Heights restaurant tries to do just that by offering 20-inch quesadillas stuffed with toppings like steak, chicken, pork, cheese, mushrooms and even cactus. Employees keep a tape measure next to the counter to prove the product is nearly 2 feet in length.
Customers "are surprised because they're really big," co-owner Maria de Jesus Lopez Sandoval said. "We wanted to do something that stands out from the rest."
The small restaurant, at 4888 S. Archer Ave., recently debuted, and Sandoval said folks from as far away as Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan have stopped by to try the quesadillas, which sell for $6.99.
The quesadillas are made from a ball of about 230 grams of masa, which is pressed into the 20-inch container. It's grilled with the meats, cheese and veggies before being served on custom plates. Sandoval wants to introduce a 24-inch quesadillas but hasn't found a serving dish that can support one.
The business is a family affair. Sandoval, who has degrees in chemistry and marketing, owns Machetes with her sister, and several of their children work there.
Sandoval's daughter, Astrid Perez — a senior at Lindblom Math & Science Academy — said the record for quesadillas eaten is four.
"He was a skinny guy, not overweight or anything," she said.
Justin Breen started the quesadilla, and found out if it's possible to finish:
After spending 12 years in Mexico City, Sandoval returned to Chicago with her two daughters in 2012 because she wanted them to learn English. The idea for Machetes was hatched because several markets in Mexico's capital city feature the product and other family members own restaurants.
Sandoval is hoping to expand the business to the North Side soon.
"We have been really happy, and the customers love it, so it's been really good," she said.
Machetes Big Quesadillas is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. GrubHub delivery is available in the area bounded by Central and Western avenues and Interstate 55 and 70th Street.
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