Felony Franks' red-hot logo. Photo: FelonyFranks.com.
That's a question Chicagoans are facing with the opening of a new Chicago-style stand near the city's West Loop. Jim Andrews, the owner, says he created the restaurant to give criminals who've served their time a second chance at becoming a productive member of society.
But not everyone's in love with Felony Franks.
A local city councilman has said he thinks the name of the restaurant is closer to criminal.
"For a restaurant theme, it's a poor choice," Alderman Robert Fioretti told WBBM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Chicago.
But Andrews says the purpose of the stand -- which boasts such specialties as the Felony Frank, the Misdemeanor Wiener and naturally, freedom fries -- is to help his employees -- now numbering 10 full-time ex-offenders.
"We are creating jobs for ex-offenders, and we are going to really become an advocate for changing the way society thinks about ex-offenders," Andrews told Slashfood. "Once you've been to jail, you're branded as no good. There are a lot of good people coming out of jail that need a second opportunity in life or a second chance in life."
Andrews, who also runs the charitable Rescue Foundation, uses Red Hot Chicago franks for his dogs. Each Felony Frank is a 1/6-pound link of beef, lightly seasoned with garlic. Misdemeanor Wieners are slightly smaller at an eighth of a pound. As it's the Windy City, the dogs come dressed in Chicago hot-dog stripes -- yellow mustard, onions, tomatoes, relish, celery salt and the essential sport pepper. "Are they hot!" Andrews said.
Felony Franks, located at 229 Western Ave., is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Thus far, Andrews said, business has been gangbusters. His hope is to eventually turn Felony Franks into a chain that will give even more ex-offenders a chance to start off life anew.
"If you've got a good product and the people like it, they will come," Andrews said, adding "as long as you serve good food and good quality product and give them enough food for their money, the people will support you."
7-22-2009 @5:17PM jerewhon said... Of course, these guys deserve a chance to make it with a responsible job.
Would you rather they return to their old ways of "income"?
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7-22-2009 @8:48PM Megan said... I don't see the big deal. Gordson Ramsay told a convict during his F-Word show "Hey, you are really good at cooking here. Look me up when you get out and I'll have a job for you. No, I am serious. I really will have a job for you."
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7-22-2009 @9:55PM Sean Quartermus said... This is not a unique idea and should be applauded. One of the best landmarks in downtown Los Angeles hired ONLY ex-cons for years. You can't simply ostracize everyone that comes out of jail. But we can pray for each of them that they really are ready to give rather than take from society.
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7-23-2009 @12:18PM BrieCS said... This is awesome. It's great to give people a job who wouldn't otherwise have a lot of luck with it, and so long as the food they're serving is clean and tasty, I'd love to buy it - the name is funny and sets up a theme. I hope to check them out some day!
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7-23-2009 @2:26PM Erin said... I think it's a great idea. Why should we be opposed to helping people find a new start and make a legal livelihood?
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7-25-2009 @2:05PM Sandy said... IT is a great idea..keeps criminals from doing more crime. It must be the liberal that complain because they get nothing from it.
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7-25-2009 @2:07PM ncarolynr said... People need to lighten up! Give these folks another chance. They did their time. Besides the name is funny, and I love hotdogs.
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7-25-2009 @2:09PM Leon said... I would be more concerned if the worthless do nothing politicans were running the buisness because they put the screws to you and smile all the way to the bank.............
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7-25-2009 @2:14PM Bill said... This is a wonderful and inventive idea on how to serve society in a good way. I hope "Felony Franks" becomes a successful nationwide chain.
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7-25-2009 @2:17PM steve said... They deserve NOTHING for being out of jail. Give the job to somebody who has a couple of kids and who just lost their job. Who cares about these losers, if thet screw up again...jail them again.
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7-25-2009 @2:20PM David said... The government is full of ex-cons and it seems to be running fine.
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7-25-2009 @2:26PM F Hoover said... We have a family business that has hired three felons immediatly after their release. All three have been wonderful, trusted employees and even managers in the business, as well as good friends.
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7-25-2009 @2:23PM Glenn said... That Chicago community has every reason to object about the felon opening a hot dog stand.
Everybody knows that felons in Illinois are all high-rank politicians like governors, etc.
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7-25-2009 @2:27PM NORMA C. said... Who cares what or who or where they are from as long as they keep it clean and legit.
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7-25-2009 @2:30PM james said... its easy to accept that this is fine, they r not next to YOUR house
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7-25-2009 @2:33PM Rita said... Sandy, I would suggest that you click on dictionary.com and look up the meaning of liberal. It means, tolerant, willing to change and more. You know deary, sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are stupid than to open your mouth and prove them right.
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7-25-2009 @2:34PM Jae Bowen said... Steve! How selfish and judgemental you are. Inmates and ex-cons have families too! This is a wonderful idea for those who have paid their debt to society and need a chance to support their families.Stop and think of how you would feel if you made a stupid mistake and landed in prison, paid your dues and couldn't find a job to support your family? Lighten up Steve!
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7-25-2009 @2:34PM John F.C. Taylor said... Sure, why not? If they've done their time, I see no reason that they shouldn't have the same chance as the rest of us. Now here's a question. Isn't the owner violating equal rights laws by not hiring law abiding citizens? Now don't get your knickers in a knot people. I asked the question, but I fully support this gentleman's effort to see that ex-cons get a fair chance at a new life.
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7-25-2009 @2:35PM Paul said... They should start several in New Jersey.
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7-25-2009 @2:42PM davidchic8 said... I think it is a great Idea; but the name and theme needs to go... it normalizes the words associated with crime to a point that it trivualize the acts. Crime in Chicago is not cute or funny, it is become a serious issue with all the Gang murders. Keep the concept of hiring the excons but CHANGE THE NAMES.
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