On November 18, 2024, Mac’s Deli opened its doors, bringing a new dining experience to the heart of the West Loop. Named in honor of Haymarket’s late founder, Monsignor Ignatius McDermott—more commonly known as Father Mac—this collaboration with Vienna Beef and federal funding earmarked by Sen. Dick Durbin is the first-of-its-kind work training program for Haymarket Center patients in recovery.
Mac’s Deli, an expansion of our workforce training program, empowers individuals in recovery by equipping them with essential food service skills and certification in food safety. Designed to facilitate the transition of patients from recovery programs into the workforce, the deli is staffed by Haymarket patients and staff.
“With Mac’s Deli, our number one goal is to provide essential job training to our patients in recovery, so they leave Haymarket Center with marketable skills and a stronger chance of success,” said Dr. Dan Lustig, President & CEO of Haymarket Center. “A bonus is that Mac’s Deli gives our community a way to directly support people experiencing substance use disorders, homelessness and mental health challenges while helping fund our life-saving treatment programs.”
Haymarket Center celebrated the grand opening with Vienna Beef partners, community members, and civic leaders, including as Regional Director of the Great Lakes Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Michael Cabonagri and Vice Mayor Walter Brunett. Both of whom gave sincere remarks at the grand opening.
“I want to encourage the people in the City of Chicago, not just the neighborhood, to come this way and support Mac’s Deli,” remarked Vice Mayor Walter Brunett. “Because when you support Mac’s Deli, you support a life.”
Mac’s Deli not only symbolizes a hopeful future for its staff but also aims to foster connections within the community. As the first hot dog stand in the West Loop that offers Vienna products, it offers a unique and affordable dining option that is sure to become a beloved staple for the neighborhood.
“We aspire to be a positive force in the community, helping to create a welcoming environment,” Jesse Taylor, Vice President of Facilities and Business Services, who oversees the operations of Mac’s Deli adds. “Our hope is that families will feel comfortable coming to Mac’s Deli, creating lasting memories, and perhaps even sharing stories like, ‘This is where I had my first hot dog,’ passed down from father to child or grandparent.”
Join us at Mac’s Deli and indulge in our famous Chicago-style hot dog—Jesse Taylor’s personal favorite—along with a menu featuring Polish sausages, Italian beef, burgers, pastrami, corned beef, turkey pastrami and more.
We thank everyone who made the grand opening of Mac’s Deli possible and look forward to seeing you at Mac’s Deli soon!
Mac’s Deli is located at 124 N. Sangamon Street and will be open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Give Mac’s Deli a follow on Instagram @macsdelihaymarket and Facebook @MacsDeliHaymarket.