The Original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Stand^™

1901

July 11, 1901 Jim is born in a small village outside of Duf, Macedonia (formerly Yugoslavia).

1939

Jim arrives in the United States and travels to Chicago. Jim begins to sell Taffy Apples on Maxwell Street. Jim starts working for his sick aunt at her hot dog stand located on the Northwest corner of Maxwell and Halsted Streets.

1941

Jim buys the hot dog stand from his aunt.

1943

Jim creates the "Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich" with grilled onions, mustard, and a specially prepared polish sausage (made by Slotkowski).

1947

Jim creates the Pork Chop Sandwich "with the bone on a bun." Jim introduces a hamburger to the menu.

1976

Jim passes away. Jim's family takes over the operation of the stand.

1983

French fries are added to the menu – FREE with any sandwich.

2001

The chicken sandwich is added to the menu. Jim's Original moves to the Northwest corner of Union Avenue and James Rochford Street.

2002

The all beef polish sandwich is added to the menu.

2004

The fish sandwich is added to the menu.

2005

Jim's Original moves to the Southwest corner of Union Avenue and James Rochford Street.

2009

Jim's Original celebrates 70 years of serving Chicagoland with 70¢ polish sausage sandwiches on Founder's Day.

2012

The Layover with Anthony Bourdain recommends Jim's Original and the "Legendary Pork Chop Sandwich" (S2/E1, Travel Channel).

2013

The Sandwich King hosted by Jeff Mauro features Jim's Original and the "Famous Bone-In Chop Sandwich" (S4/E11, Food Network).

2014

Jim's Original celebrates 75 years of serving Chicagoland with 75¢ polish sausage sandwiches on Founder's Day.

2015

Chicago's Best features Jim's Original and the Polish Sausage Sandwich as the Best Sausages (WGNTV).

2016

Andrew Zimmern's Driven By Food: Chicago stops in for a Polish Sausage Sandwich (S1/E6, Travel Channel). Vice Media and Big Dipper visit Jim's Original to talk history and the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich for the show "Streets by Vice: Halsted Street, Chicago" (VICE).

2018

Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destination "Chicago: A Second Bite" with Andrew Zimmern features Jim's Original and the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage Sandwich (S7/E2, Travel Channel). Jim's Original and the Polish Sausage are also featured on Check Please! (S17/E13, PBS/WTTW). David and Anna Posey of Elske stop by late night for a Pork Chop Sandwich on Chef's Night Out (S1/E7, Munchies).

2019

Jim's Original celebrates 80 years of serving Chicagoland with 80¢ polish sausage sandwiches on Founder's Day.

2020

Phil Rosenthal, of Somebody Feed Phil, and Julia Sweeney stop by to experience Jim's Original, the Maxwell Street Polish and Pork Chop Sandwiches (S3, Chicago Episode, Netflix).