Little Italy in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

James "Jimmy" Stefanovic

1901-1976

— Founder of Jim's Original —

James "Jimmy" Stefanovic Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 25, 2024

1. James "Jimmy" Stefanovic Marker

Inscription. In 1939 Jimmy came to Chicago and began working at his aunt's hot dog stand on the northwest corner of Maxwell and Halsted Streets. Jimmy worked hard, bought the stand from his aunt, and then made it literally "world famous." He created the first Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich and the first Maxwell Street Pork Chop Sandwich. Jim's was so well-known and has so consistently served Chicagoans that his stand became the cornerstone of the old Maxwell Street Market until its relocation in 1994. People still identify the old Maxwell Street Market with the sweet smell of grilled onions that emanated from Jim's stand.

Every day we strive to continue Jimmy's world famous tradition of making some of the finest Chicago sandwiches from top-quality ingredients and serving them with fast, friendly service as Jim first did in 1939, and continued throughout his time with us.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 41° 51.941′ N, 87° 38.71′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Little Italy. It is on South Union Avenue south of West James M. Rochford Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1250 S Union Ave, Chicago IL 60607, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Maxwell Street Market (here, next to this marker); Maxwell Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Paul Muni (about 600 feet away); Site of the Origin of the Chicago Fire of 1871 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Juvenile Court of Cook County Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Jane Addams' Hull-House and Dining Hall (approx. 0.4 miles away); Jane Addams' Hull House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Father Arnold Damen, S.J. (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . .
1. Jim's Original (official website). The legendary food stand celebrated its 85th anniversary in July 9f 2024. It was, at one time, a 24/7 restaurant (no indoor seating; just outside standing) but it had recently cut back its hours to 6am to 1am. (Submitted on September 28, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

2. Maxwell Street Polish on Wikipedia. One of the city of Chicago's signature foods. It is sold at other places besides Jim's. (Submitted on September 28, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Additional keywords. Chicago cuisine, food

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 25, 2024

2. James "Jimmy" Stefanovic Marker

Marker is mounted next to one of the menus.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 446 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 28, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.

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