The Maid-Rite in Christopher, Illinois has been a "must go to" spot in my family forever. My dad grew up in this small Southern Illinois town and spent many hours at the horseshoe-shaped counter enjoying "maid-rite" sandwiches; a loose-meat beef sandwich and delicious homemade pies.My aunt and uncle worked there as teenagers in the 1950's so there is a lot of affection for the institution in my family. My dad has been living "out west" on the Oregon Coast in Tillamook for over 50 years and every time he travels "back home" to Christopher the first stop he makes is the Maid-Rite to see who is there, as it's always been the local meeting spot. It's not unusual for locals to drop in more than once a day to check out who is there.
I was just there a couple of weeks ago with my mom and dad. The pies are just as yummy as ever and the maid-rite sandwiches are the same as I remembered with "everything" on it. Everything is mustard and onions. I must admit I customize with some ketchup, which makes the sandwich perfect!
The Christopher Maid-Rite didn't seem as busy this visit. The hours seemed to be cut back. The "word on the street" is that there is some worry that the current owner is not as devoted to the history and importance of this institution to the community as he should be. I hope that is not true and I really hope that the current owner keeps the place going strong. It would break my heart to travel back to Christopher and find the place gone! The current owner needs to appreciate the sentiment that the place holds for the locals and the countless people that grew up there and return to the Maid-Rite on their quest for a taste of their past!
I found an interesting article in the local newspaper about the restaurant, highlighting the current owner and the previous ownership of the beloved institution. Also visit the Maid-Rite corporate website which gives some interesting history behind the Maid-Rite franchise.
If you ever have a chance to visit a Maid-Rite restaurant, especially the one in Christopher, Illinois, jump at it...it's a piece of Americana that is seldom seen today!
