By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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MACHESNEY PARK — A sandwich shop that was a local staple for more than four decades makes its return this weekend with its new iteration as a food truck.
The Sandwich Factory announced on Thursday night that its grand opening will be from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday in front of Benny’s @ Nest, 8790 N. Second St., on the former Machesney Park Mall property. The food truck owners want to be a late night, post-bar spot for a bite to eat.
“Remember this is our first day in action, so please be patient with us and we will do our best,” The Sandwich Factory wrote on Facebook. “Truck is fully stocked, but I’m sure the people will run us out of food, so first come first serve.”
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The Sandwich Factory ran at various locations from 1975 to 2019, when it was sold. The shop’s two longest-standing locations were on Kishwaukee Street and College Avenue, and at 2203 Charles St.
The great-grandchildren of the family that founded the restaurant decided to bring it back as a food truck this year complete with its classic steak deluxe, house sub, rib tip boat and other original recipes from the brick-and-mortar restaurant.
The back of the truck features a tribute to Evelyn Ballard, who ran The Sandwich Factory for more than 40 years. Ballard died in November 2020 at age 91.
The food truck is now owned by Dane Lungo and run with the help of other family members.
Benny’s @ Nest, so far, is the only location it has announced.
The owners encourage people to follow them on social media to know all their future stops.
Follow | The Sandwich Factory
For updates on the location of the food truck, follow The Sandwich Factory on social media.
Facebook: Go HERE
Instagram: Go HERE
Editor’s note: This story has been updated from its initial version to correct the times open.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas