Apr 24, 2009 9:20 pm US/Central
'Felony Franks' Hot Dog Stand Raises Eyebrows
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Jim Andrews' new hot dog stand, Felony Franks, has drawn criticism from Ald. Bob Fioretti who says the name makes light of criminal behavior.
CBS
A new hot dog stand is being built on the West Side, and when it opens, the people behind the counter could be ex-convicts.
As CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports, the restaurant is controversial, not because of the felons, but the two words on the outside of the building.
Felony Franks is Jim Andrews' new hot dog stand, currently under construction on a busy West Side corner, decorated with freshly painted wieners donning prison garb and a ball and chain, proclaiming "food so good it's criminal."
But not everyone finds the gimmick clever.
"For a restaurant theme it's a poor choice," said 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti.
Fioretti says in a neighborhood that's been blighted by crime, the concept is definitely in poor taste.
"We in this city do not need to glorify criminal conduct," Fioretti said. "We need to help every ex-offender get a job."
But Andrews argues that's just what he's doing. He plans to hire only former felons to work at Felony Franks, and for him it's nothing new.
"He's focused on the negative," Andrews said of Fioretti. "He's not looking at the positive work I've done."
Andrews, at his Chicago paper supply company has employed mostly ex-cons for years, even establishing a foundation to help them get work.
"Shame on the alderman, that's all I can say," Andrews said.
Talk to neighbors and you'll get all sorts of reactions.
It's dumb," said Alicia Johnson. "It's like saying basically it's OK to have a felony. 'Home of the misdemeanor wiener?' Come on now."
"I think the people hating on it is because they didn't come up with it themselves," said West Side resident Rashard McGee.
"The community doesn't want it, the churches don't want it and the schools don't want it," Fioretti said.
The alderman says he welcomes the restaurant employing former felons, but he'll do his best to block approval of the Felony Franks sign, whose frame swings empty at the corner of Western and Jefferson.
Andrews' response? "Get over it. It's a hot dog on a sign that says Felony Franks."
And to Andrews, that's no crime.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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