BUCKTOWN — Soon to be painted yellow with red trim, the tiny shack that was formerly home to Sam's Red Hots for more than 70 years has been replaced by Jr.'s Red Hots.
If everything goes as planned, Jr.'s Red Hots could open by next weekend, owner Arturo Torres Jr. said Monday.
The second-generation owner of Arturo's Tacos, a Mexican restaurant started by his father at the northeast corner of the Armitage and Western avenues intersection in 1988, Torres Jr. bought the former hot dog stand and neighboring triangular lot at 2345 W. Armitage Ave. in December.
The stand's hours, once open, will be 10 a.m.-midnight weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
In addition to Vienna Beef hot dogs, prepared "Chicago style," Jr.'s Red Hots will offer Polish sausages and char-grilled hamburgers.
Torres Jr. said hot dogs and Polish sausages will start at $3.89, while hamburgers will cost $5.49. All orders will include French fries.
Milkshakes in several flavors (strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, banana and peanut butter) are planned, and if a dipping cabinet can be added to the layout, Torres Jr. said he's thinking about adding ice cream scoops.
For those seeking healthier options, garden, Caesar and Greek salads will be available for around $7 each.
Just east of Western Avenue, the stand is believed to have opened in the 1940s.
Torres Jr. said he will divide his time between running Arturo's Mexican Grill in Wheeling, which opened in 2012, and the new Jr.'s Red Hots.
"It feels great to grow as a family. We hope that we can continue to grow," Torres Jr. said.
Torres Jr. said that he is looking to hire up to eight people to staff Jr.'s Red Hots. Workers interested in applying can call 773-782-7598.
Jr.'s Red Hots is hoping to open next weekend after a paint job that will turn the building mostly yellow with red trim, owner Arturo Torres Jr. said. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
