Jeff Mauro’s Quest for His Treasured Jerseys
Local chef Jeff Mauro can’t get the framed jerseys that were hanging at his long-gone sandwich shop, Pork & Mindy’s, out of his head. He even dreams about them.
Mysterious Disappearance
In one recent dream, a phantom trap door in the Wicker Park restaurant Pork & Mindy’s, which shut down in 2019, led him down to a bin where three of his four gone-but-not-forgotten jerseys were — Cubs, Blackhawks and White Sox jerseys with his last name emblazoned on the back, plus a Cubs one that read "Sandwich King."
A Sign of Special Memories
These jerseys hold special meaning for Mauro. He earned them after throwing the ceremonial first pitch at White Sox and Cubs games and shooting the puck during a Blackhawks game in 2015.
"What these were, were special moments. My family was there, my son, to whom I would like to gift these jerseys if they ever turn up, he said."
A Plea for Information
After posting on Reddit last week, Mauro is still seeking leads and has even offered to "shower" in meat and giardiniera anyone who provides tips that pan out. "Someone’s gotta have them. They’re unique enough to stand out, either they’re in a vintage shop, or framed on someone’s walls."
Background Information
In 2015, Pork & Mindy’s gained popularity for its creative twists on classic comfort food sandwiches. Mauro, also known as "The Sandwich King," took home the top prize in Season 7 of Food Network’s "Next Food Network Star." The chain’s swift demise in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing left both fans and investors stunned. The abrupt shutdown left unanswered questions, especially for loyal customers like Mauro’s wife, who received an abrupt text that the popular eatery was no longer in business.
A Personal Stake
When Mauro’s wife sent him that text, Mauro, then mid-flight back from a trip to Abu Dhabi entertaining U.S. troops, was initially in a state of denial. Shock and sadness gripped his heart as the reality sinked in, "It was sad and scared. This would ruin my career and relationships in the industry."
A Solution
Currently, Mauro’s focus on his culinary projects, "The Kitchen" on Food Network and his own entrepreneurial ventures, keeps him plenty busy. But his attachment to the treasured mementos still lingers. "It’s complicated, but someone’s gonna have them," he acknowledged. "It’s only right that someone pays homage to the guy who owns them."
Conclusion
Jeff Mauro’s commitment to his cherished jerseys will continue until he finds closure and reunites with them. His mission is built on the foundations of hard work, love for food, and personal connections – the same threads that inspired the creation of Pork & Mindy’s in the first place.
