The South Side’s New Sandwich Shop From an Ex-Cop Is Open

Mabe’s Deli, the sandwich shop from a former Chicago police officer, opened its doors over the weekend on the city’s South Side. Owner Derrick Rowe has high hopes for his new business at 312 E. 75th Street, wanting to make the spot a community beacon, where kids can study and locals learn professional skills. The deli, named after Rowe’s grandmother, is another attempt to give the area fresher and healthier options where much of the community is used to cheap fast food.

The restaurant’s menu includes a jerk chicken wrap and a variety of salads and smoothies. It’s an 1,100-square-foot space that Rowe and his team have rehabbed into a place where customers can comfortably hang out. Rowe also wants to hire local residents to provide them an environment where they could learn professional skills.

That stretch of 75th Street includes many popular restaurants including Lem’s Bar-B-Q, Soul Vegetarian, and 5 Loaves Eatery. Mabe’s hopes to complement those existing spots. Ownership is holding a grand opening on Saturday to give the neighborhood a taste of what to expect.

Rowe is a former police officer who also worked undercover. He said he went into law enforcement to make a difference in the community and he’s using the same reasoning behind opening the deli. Check out his efforts starting today.

Mabe’s Deli, 312 E. 75th Street, (773) 891-1798, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Saturday.