Will Hero’s Sub Shop Be a Pizza Place? Mural Added to Long-Vacant Lunch Spot as ‘Mystery’ Looms
The Former Hero’s Submarine Sandwich Shop, 3600 N. Western Ave., Situated Across from Lane Tech College Prep High School
A small mural of a pixelated blue car was recently added to the side of the former Hero’s Submarine Sandwich Shop, 3600 N. Western Ave., catching the eye of curious neighbors hopeful the legendary spot may be mounting a comeback.
Workers were seen entering the small sandwich shack and taking measurements last week. They said they were pursuing a pizza place, but they later declined to comment about plans for the building.
Background
The sandwich shop closed for good in 2017 after more than 50 years in business, with the daughter of Hero’s founders David and Daisy Arnoux telling DNAinfo the family ran out of steam “working 365 days, 24/7” and arranged a sale of the property to new owners.
The building has since sat empty, leaving neighbors wondering why a prime slice of corner real estate – across from the city’s largest high school – was left to fade away.
Signs of New Life
While workers were seen at the building and permits have been issued, the small brick building still has its red awnings and chalk menu boards hanging from its days as Hero’s.
A pixelated car mural was recently added to the former site of Hero’s Submarine Sandwich Shop, 3600 N. Western Ave.
Ownership and History
The building was last sold in 2017 to Loukas Development, according to public records. George Loukas, a prolific North Side landlord, is known for owning the Cubby Bear sports bar in Wrigleyville and selling his rooftop apartments overlooking Wrigley Field to the Cubs after squabbles over his right to profit off of views of the game.
Loukas Development did not return requests for comment.
Impact on the Community
The sub shop’s closing drew a line out the door, with some regulars “ordering like 20 sub sandwiches to put in their freezer,” Bustell said.
Retired weatherman Tom Skilling has fond memories of a turkey and ham sub at a “very reasonable” price from the small but mighty no-frills spot just blocks away from WGN studios.
“They were always so fresh, and it was clear for people working there it was a labor of love,” Skilling said. “They had it down to a science. You went in, placed your order, watched them prepare the sub. They’d get you in and out of there in good time.”
Staff and Customers Remember
Lane alumni Sandy Vilips, class of 1987, and Kevin Lam, class of 2013, are connected through the school colors and cold cut subs.
“The burnouts went to Jack-in-the-Box, McDonald’s was for the preppy kids, but everyone mingled at the sub shop,” Vilips said. “If you were going to cut class and go down to the lake, you’d have a picnic with your sub sandwich. The place was iconic.”
Lam often opted to eat his sub on Lane’s sprawling front lawns.
“At the time, it felt like just a good sandwich shop, but as it stood there closed and untouched, it become a monument to us,” said Lam, who still lives in the neighborhood. “There have been countless theories” as to why the building has remained closed.
What’s Next?
Bustell is glad to see activity at the building and is holding out hopes a new mom-and-pop shop, offering affordable lunch to students – whether it be subs or pizza by the slice – picks up where Hero’s left off.
“When stuff like that thrives, it really builds community,” Bustell said. “I miss the place.”
FAQs
Q: What’s been done to the building recently?
A: A small mural of a pixelated blue car was recently added to the side of the building. Workers were seen measuring the building and discussing plans, but declined to comment on the details.
Q: Who owns the building?
A: The building was last sold in 2017 to Loukas Development, a company led by George Loukas, a local landlord.
Q: What’s the history of the building?
A: The building has been home to Hero’s Submarine Sandwich Shop for over 50 years, closing in 2017 after the family that ran the shop sold the property to new owners.
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