CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A staple on the Northwest Side, Jeff’s Red Hots, has been named as one of 25 restaurants nationwide to share in a $1 million historic preservation grant.
It's called the Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant program, and it’s been helping small and independently owned businesses like Jeff's Red Hots since 2021. As a 2023 recipient, Jeff’s Red Hots will get $40,000 to help improve business and positively impact the community.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) and American Express announced the 2023 recipients earlier this month.
The critical financial support for Jeff's Red Hots and other national recipients is intended to assist small restaurant owners as they navigate supply chain issues, staffing shortages, and inflation.
As a result, grant organizers said they hope establishments can continue to thrive and contribute to their neighborhood's unique history and identity.
In addition to the $40,000, grant recipients will receive complimentary use of ResyOS, a restaurant reservation service owned by American Express.
Jeff’s Red Hots was founded in 1977 in Portage Park, according to its website. Steve and Jimmy Vrettos bought the hot dog stand in 1988, after which they worked together behind the counter, until 2003 when Jimmy passed away.
Over the years, Jeff’s Red Hots has had a number of honors and was inducted into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame in 2016. Steve Vrettos died in January 2021, but the restaurant has remained family owned.
Jeff’s Red Hots is located at 3901 N. Cicero Ave.
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