West Town's iconic hot dog joint, Duk's Red Hots, is poised to undergo a transformation as it approaches seven decades of service. In a move that signals the end of an era, the long-standing eatery known for its traditional Chicago street food fare will close its doors, only to reopen with a new identity and upgraded look in early 2024. Block Club Chicago reports that the West Town staple, owned by Mervyn Dukatt since the mid-'50s, will hand over to new management and shed the Duk's name in favor of a facelift that keeps up with current trends.
Carol Chavez, who has managed Duk's for two decades, relayed her astonishment at the news, expressing her commitment to stay on with the incoming regime. "I'm not leaving. I live around here, so if they want to get rid of me, it's going to be hard," Chavez told Block Club Chicago. Despite the impending changes, the new owners plan to steadfastly continue selling hot dogs, though they have yet to fully unveil their updated concept for the site.
As speculation grows around the future of the beloved hot dog stand, a recent liquor license application has disclosed 'Modern Relish' as the new business moniker set to occupy the 636 N. Ashland Avenue location. While the prospect is reminiscent of The Wieners Circle's foray into bar service back in 2021, Anthony Pagliuca and Angela Villanueva, the names behind the application, are remaining mum until the city gives its approval, as noted in the license paperwork obtained by Eater Chicago.
Moving beyond Duk's narrative, the frozen treats scene in Chicago suffered a possible blow as the beloved Logan Square ice cream stand The Freeze, renowned for its affordability and nostalgia, changed hands at a cool $1.15 million, according to Greenstone Partners cited by Eater Chicago. The high sale price sparks concerns over the potential end of an era for the quaint dessert spot, as the new owners hint at the site's redevelopment. Amid change, Chicago food enthusiasts have also to look forward to dessert chef Tatum Sinclair's new venture, Haven, which promises an exclusively dessert-focused experience, according to the chef's Instagram posts and reports by Eater Chicago.
