By Parthenia Luke
The first Steak ‘n Shake restaurant that is located in the city of Chicago opened on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at 1322 S. Halsted Street in the University Village neighborhood. The 84-year-old company’s newest location is historical on two fronts—it’s the first Steak ‘n Shake in the Chicago city limits and the restaurant is African-American owned and operated.
There are several Chicagoland suburban locations. Melvin Buckley, former owner of several Chicagoland McDonald’s restaurants and owner of Majestic Office Center in Richton Park, Illinois felt that it was time to bring a Steak ‘n Shake to Chicago. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as it will be the only Steak ‘n Shake serving beer and wine.
The Chicago Steak ‘n Shake is smaller in size than other restaurants in the chain, but offers both indoor and outdoor dining. The restaurant’s menu will not include all items, however it will have the full line of burgers, some hot dogs, and breakfast foods. A large crowd was present for the VIP reception in which guests were served miniature cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and fountain soft drinks.
In attendance at the ribbon cutting were Melvin Buckley, wife Sherice Buckley, family members, Chicago 11th Ward Alderman Patrick D. Thompson, Chicago Mayoral Candidate Ja’Mal Green, Chicago Radio host AC Green, Executive Director of BopBiz Center Ro Davis, and many other well wishers.
Steak ‘n Shake is a welcome addition to the Chicago restaurant scene that has been long awaited. The restaurant chain was founded in Normal, Illinois in 1934 and has corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana.
