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Thursday, 14 May 2009 18:14 |
 By Francis Scudellari
For the past few weeks, many in Chicago have been lamenting the demise of Harry’s Hot Dog stand. That downtown institution may be gone, but its owner Harry Heftman still has a lot to offer, including a good story, as this reporter can attest after a visit to local eatery Fulton’s Chicken on Wednesday, May 6.
Mr. Heftman, who turned 100-years-young just two months ago, had sold sausages and other treats for 55 years at the stand, which began its life as The Little Snack Shop. Located at 300 W. Randolph until it closed its doors April 17, Harry’s won the hearts and stomachs of those who lived and worked in the Loop.
Unfortunately, Harry’s long-time landlord, The Showman’s League, sold the building to the City of Chicago so it could be razed and turned into a park. Mr. Heftman shuttered the business and vacated the premises, serving his last hot dog on that gloomy Friday to customers who savored their final bites. The Loop’s loss was Rogers Park’s gain, at least for this one day.
Defying his years with a wry smile and a spry gait, Mr. Heftman sported a T-shirt that announced his re-entry into the restaurant business. With his spanking-new, white garment proclaiming “New Hire: 100 Years Young” on the front and “Retirement Is For Fools” on the reverse side, Mr. Heftman was definitely in his element chatting up customers at Fulton’s.
Accompanied by Peter Spyropoulos who owns Fulton’s Chicken, as well as the popular East of Edens restaurant, Mr. Heftman spoke glowingly of his “new boss.”
“Pete is a wonderful person to work for. I was lucky to get a part-time job with him. It’s a credit to have him around the neighborhood.”
A Jewish immigrant who came to Chicago from Eastern Europe as a child, Mr. Heftman proved a proud father and grandfather, readily sharing details about the accomplishments of his family.
Mr. Spyropoulos was glad to announce that Mr. Heftman would be working a couple hours a day at both his restaurants, cleaning tables and greeting customers. Spyropoulos boasted about his new employee’s endless energy. Harry, he said, is always ready with a story, especially for the female customers.
Spyropoulos plans to bring another piece of Harry’s to our neighborhood, relocating the soft-serve ice cream machine from the closed downtown locale.
Mr. Heftman has been a neighbor of Mr. Spyropoulos for many years, and the two men were definitely savoring the afternoon together.
I can’t say for certain whether the new job offer was more than a one-day arrangement, but I was more than happy to indulge the hope of seeing Harry back in our neighborhood many more times.
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