Mac’s Deli: A New Era of Hope and Opportunity in Chicago’s West Loop
A Restaurant with a Purpose
Mac’s Deli, located in the West Loop, is not just another eatery serving sandwiches and hot dogs. It’s a beacon of hope and opportunity for those in recovery from substance use disorders. This innovative concept is the result of a partnership between Haymarket Center, a non-profit organization that has been serving the community for over 50 years, and Vienna Beef.
The Backstory
Mac’s Deli is Chicago’s first restaurant staffed by individuals in recovery. The deli brings together two Chicago staples, providing valuable restaurant experience to patient employees who rotate in three-month-long cohorts. Each cohort consists of four patient employees, overseen by two program managers who will receive certification from Vienna Beef’s Hot Dog University.
A Second Chance at Success
For those who have struggled with substance use disorders, finding their footing in the job market can be daunting. Mac’s Deli offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable work experience and build confidence. Amber, a graduate of the program, shared her story:
"It helps you get back into the flow of working a job. It helps you transition to be able to move into a full-time job, and I was lucky enough to get hired on to Aramark. The experience has also given me more confidence to stay the course with my recovery. I hope others experiencing substance use disorders follow in my footsteps. Just start climbing up that mountain. Just do it. Think about what you’re working toward. Life gets easier. Your family comes back around. I know the big thing for me is my daughter. She’s very proud of me and the stuff that I’m doing and everything that I’ve accomplished. So keep that in mind – you can work past all the things that you’re going through."
A New Era of Hope
Haymarket Center has been serving the community for over 50 years, helping tens of thousands of individuals overcome their challenges. The deli is just the latest addition to their list of programs. According to Dr. Dan Lustig, President and CEO of Haymarket Center:
"This truly is a project decades in the making. We’re really here to help patients rebuild their lives and come through treatment, and that’s what this program is about. This is also a program that’s really designed about helping to support Haymarket Center and what we do. So if people wonder about how they can address the unhoused or people with substance use disorders, simply by visiting and buying food at Mac’s Deli is one direct way of doing that."
A New Era of Opportunity
Mac’s Deli is not only a platform for those in recovery to gain work experience but also a way to support Haymarket Center’s mission. The deli’s success is just the beginning of a new era of hope and opportunity in the West Loop.
Conclusion
Mac’s Deli is a beacon of hope for those in recovery, providing a platform for them to gain valuable work experience and build confidence. By supporting Haymarket Center, customers can play a direct role in addressing the issues of homelessness and substance use disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Mac’s Deli?
Mac’s Deli is a restaurant in the West Loop staffed by individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. - What is Haymarket Center?
Haymarket Center is a non-profit organization that has been serving the community for over 50 years, helping tens of thousands of individuals overcome their challenges. - How can I support Haymarket Center?
By visiting and buying food at Mac’s Deli, you can support Haymarket Center’s mission and help address the issues of homelessness and substance use disorders.
