HOUGHTON — After serving Houghton for over two years, Chicago Beefs recently announced it will be closing. They plan to remain open until their meat supply runs out, which means they will likely be shutting down before the end of the week. The sandwich shop, which has been a favorite of college students in search of a late night meal, plans to move to a new location in Marquette. 

“These last couple of years here, two years plus in the location have just been some of the fun-est two years of my whole life,” Chicago Beefs Owner Mike Glenn said in an interview with TV6 News. “I have met so many great people and made so many friends.” 

Many Houghton residents are sad to see the iconic restaurant go. “I’m so sad. Some of my favorite memories were going to Chicago Beefs with friends, and making new ones when I was there,” said Emma Wade, a former Houghton resident. “I put it on the same level of Houghton must-have classics as Suomi’s.” 

Laura Hull, another Houghton resident and student at Michigan Tech, lamented the loss of her favorite dishes, saying, “I will forever miss their cheese bread…also their giardiniera pepper mix was amazing.” 

The cost of the lease and the job of maintaining the 3,500-square-foot space were a couple of reasons Chicago Beefs has decided to relocate. They will be running a special on their pizzas for these last few days, since they won’t be able to make them at the Marquette site. 

Glenn says the new Marquette location will take a few weeks to fully open, but that it will be ready for business in the lower level of the Masonic Square Mall sometime next month. Despite the move, Glenn announced this won’t be the end of Chicago Beefs in Houghton. “Soon thereafter, we will have a location back in this area, and we hope to have that open as well this year,” he said. 

The restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches and finger foods, with their authentic Italian Beef sandwiches taking the spotlight. “There’s nothing like this messy, mouthwatering Chicago delight. Here at Chicago Beefs, we’re proud to carry on this delicious legacy, serving up authentic Italian Beef sandwiches just like they do back home. Whether you’re a local or a visitor from afar, our sandwiches will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Chicago,” they say on their website. According to Chicago Beefs, their timeless sandwich originated in the 1920s in the center of Chicago’s meatpacking district. “Legend has it Italian immigrants toiled away at the old Union Stock Yards, bringing home the tougher cuts of beef, the ones no one else wanted.” the restaurant explains on their website. The beef was then slow-roasted to perfection and simmered in a spicy broth. “It spread like wildfire, becoming a staple of Chicago’s culinary scene.” 

Chicago Beefs will be open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. this week until they run out of supplies.