Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant, a Route 66 icon near the eastern terminus of the Mother Road in Chicago, is set to begin selling franchises for the first time, reports NBC Channel 5 in Chicago.
I’m not sure this can be pulled off easily. The interesting thing is that Lou Mitchell’s president feels the same way.
“We’ve spent not only a considerable amount of financial resources, but a considerable amount of time working that out,” said Nicholas Thanas, the third-generation president of Lou Mitchell’s, in a telephone interview. “It’s not going to be an easy feat, I’m not going to kid you.”
An architectural firm aided the company with the franchise to duplicate the shape of the space, the detailed mill work, the signage, floor tiles and the lightning.
Even the heights and colors of booths and the counter has been specified.
Thanas said the Chicago area will be the first priority with franchises, then the Midwest, then, ultimately, nationally. He said Lou Mitchell’s is already “very close” to signing contracts for a deal.
The original Lou Mitchell’s was built in 1923 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has long served as a first meal for those beginning their Route 66 journeys westward, including giving the traditional box of Milk Duds to female customers. It also has served several U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
(Photo courtesy of Guy Randall.)
Wow, I’m not sure if they can pull it off, but that would be cool! Now I’m hungry for one of those big omelets.