The Original Fluky's on Western closes; re-opens as ''U Lucky Dawg''

Old endings and new beginnings—Fluky's on Western (6821 N. Western Ave., Chicago), long known for serving Chicagoans the premiere Chicago Hot Dog, will be closing and re-opening as U Lucky Dawg. Larry and Randee Estes have owned this location for eight years. They believe this is the best way to continue giving Chicagoans the excellent food, service and dining experience that was the original guiding philosophy of Fluky's founder Abe "Fluky" Drexler.


"On the one hand, it's the end of an era," said Larry Estes, "since the name Fluky's on Western has been synonymous with the finest Chicago Hot Dogs. On the other hand, it's the beginning of a new tradition at this famous location, one that's based on the original Fluky's concept but with some surprises to come. We will continue to serve the classic Vienna pure beef Chicago Hot Dog that was served by Fluky himself. We've been serving this hot dog for eight years—we've actually been the only Fluky's location serving Vienna Beef for some time now."

The Estes's, who also own Max's Italian Beef (the home of the nationally known "Ghetto Fries") and the popular catering business, Catering by Max's, are making the change as a matter of contract. "We have operated at this location using the Fluky's name for eight years," said Larry Estes. "During this time we have established ourselves for our friendly service, quality products and our commitment to the community."

Estes added that "Chicago is a city known for its casual fast food as much as for its fine dining, and nothing is more indicative of this than the Chicago Hot Dog. Not just any hot dog, our Chicago Hot Dog includes mustard, relish, onions, pickles, hot sport peppers, sliced tomatoes and celery salt." U Lucky Dawg will offer a new treat - the Habanero Hot Dog—not for the faint of heart.

Bob Schwartz, senior vice president at Vienna Beef said, "As the owners of a hot dog operation that has been around for more than 50 years, Larry and Randee have maintained the integrity of the brand that became a nationally known institution. The original Fluky, Abe Drexler, would have been proud of what the Estes's have done to maintain his standards and how they have served the community. Chicagoans are very passionate about their hot dogs and they don't settle very well for imitations. I have no doubt that U Lucky Dawg will continue to offer the kind of fabulous product that a whole new generation of Chicagoans will flock to. We at Vienna Beef are looking forward to working with Randee and Larry as they establish their own important brand."

U Lucky Dawg will continue to feature its hot dogs as well as a wide range of delicious burgers, sandwiches, side dishes and ice cream creations.

U Lucky Dawg will continue the tradition that dates back to the Great Depression," said Randee Estes. "Our customers make us feel like a lucky dog and allow us the opportunity to give back to the community. That's why we chose to name the restaurant U Lucky Dawg.

With the same great food that made Fluky's on Western great for the last eight years, U Lucky Dawg will quickly become a stand-out on the Chicago dining map. U Lucky Dawg? On February 14, all of Chicago will be the "lucky dawgs!"

For more information about U Lucky Dawg, please contact Larry Estes at (773) 989-4488.