Owner: Now-closed Felony Franks on Near West Side might move
BY DAVE NEWBART Staff Reporter dnewbart@suntimes.com June 11, 2012 11:44AM
Felony Franks, 229 S. Western Friday, May 6, 2011 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times
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Updated: July 13, 2012 6:11AM
The owner of the now-shuttered Felony Franks said Monday he’s hoping to reopen and looking at three possible locations.
Jim Andrews said he wants to expand his business, the Near West Side hot dog stand that drew international attention for its crime-themed menu and its legal battle with Chicago City Hall over a sign advertising its name — which he won.
Andrews said he might even add pizza to the menu.
Andrews closed shop last Tuesday at 229 S. Western after business took a dive in the wake of problems with a nearby liquor store and after his long fight with the city over the sign. He and his staff vacated the premises Thursday.
Andrews said he had to lay off four workers. Like all of his employees since he opened in 2009, they were ex-offenders given a second chance by Andrews, of Oak Park.
He plans to eventually hire them back.
“They will be the first people I call,” Andrews said. “Until then, unfortunately, they are raising the unemployment rate.”
Andrews would not says where he’s looking to reopen or when, though he said it would not be in his current ward. Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd) had tried to block the business because its name sent a “bad message” to students.
“I think all other alderman would want to work with us,” Andrews said.
