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Pop's Italian Beef, South Side Staple, To Invade North Side

By Ted Cox | May 26, 2017 3:56pm | Updated on May 30, 2017 7:56am
 Pop's Italian Beef & Sausage is moving into Old Town in the old My Fit Foods space, but as a self-respecting Italian beef place it might have to replace the awning.
Pop's Italian Beef & Sausage is moving into Old Town in the old My Fit Foods space, but as a self-respecting Italian beef place it might have to replace the awning.
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DNAinfo/Ted Cox

OLD TOWN — A South Side fast-food chain is looking to land a North Side Italian beef outpost in the coming months.

Pop's Italian Beef & Sausage, which has more than a dozen outlets in the southern suburbs, as well as one in the city limits at 10337 S. Kedzie Ave. in Mount Greenwood, has committed to move into Old Town.

Pop's already has a sign up at 157 W. North Ave. in the building formerly occupied by My Fit Foods. It expects to open by mid-August.

Pop's debuted in 1980 in Palos Heights and has been favorably reviewed by foodies on sites such as the LTH Forum. Its french fries have been compared to classic McDonald's. ABC7's "Hungry Hound" Steve Dolinsky listed it among the city's "31 Essential Italian Beef Joints."

It might have the Italian beef scene to itself in Old Town, but it enters a crowded and competitive North Side scene that includes several Al's and Portillo's outlets, Mr. Beef, Johnny's in Lincoln Park and Jay's in Wicker Park, and the new Big Bob & Fritzy's on Armitage Avenue might have something to say on the matter as well.

In any case, look for Pop's to swap out the My Fit Foods awning. No self-respecting Chicago Italian beef sandwich — wet, dipped or dry — can be served under the heading, "Eat Fit. Live Fit."