That corned beef sandwich. A Chicago legend. Right here in front of us stands Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen.
Manny’s isn’t just a deli. It’s a Chicago institution. Since 1942 it has served up delicious food and fascinating history. The Raskin family started it all. Jack and Charlie opened Purity deli. After World War II Jack opened Sunny’s. To save money he renamed it Manny’s after his son Emanuel.
Manny’s moved a few times. It finally landed at 1141 South Jefferson Street in 1964. Ken Raskin now runs the place. He’s carrying on a family tradition. His son Dan helps him. They use the same recipes. The food is served quickly and in large portions.
Manny’s is more than just food. It’s a place where Chicago politicians meet. President Barack Obama is a fan. Former Governor George Ryan even tells a story about getting a call from Nelson Mandela while eating there. One writer called Manny’s the second most likely place to see local politicians after City Hall.
The deli faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. They showed resilience. Manny’s gave away 1000 free sandwiches to masked customers. They also started shipping some food nationwide.
This isn’t just a story about a deli. It’s a story about family. It’s a story about Chicago. It’s a story about staying true to tradition. It’s a story about delicious food. It’s the story of Manny’s. A true Chicago icon.