Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs

"Cheba Hut, the “toasted sub joint” with locations in Wicker Park and Lakeview, exists for 4/20. Although it sells no cannabis products, both locations will be giving out prizes to the day’s first 100 customers, including free food and a trip to Colorado. There will also be $4.20 sandwich specials and gifts of frisbees and rolling papers from Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Reserve." - aimee.levitt

"After more than a year of waiting, Chicago’s new marijuana-themed sandwich spot Cheba Hut debuts Monday in Wicker Park featuring “toasted” subs with punny pot names, a full bar, and a huge custom wall mural packed with Windy City-specific weed jokes and references. Cheba Hut subs like the 5-0 and Kali Mist come in several sizes. The menu features plenty of other stoner-friendly items too, include the Loaded Not’chos and “goo balls” for dessert. The Wicker Park location also features a full bar with a list of drinks, dubbed Cottonmouth Cures. Franchisees Chris Custer and Lance Frericks have gone to great lengths to weave a singular strain of Chicago identity and stoner culture into every facet of the restaurant. The inside space seats nearly 70, but is limited to 27 with social distancing. A heated outdoor patio space will seat another 42." - Naomi Waxman

"Wicker Park: Arizona-based toasted sub chain Cheba Hut, known for its weed theme and full bar, is open after more than a year of waiting." - Naomi Waxman

"A pot-inspired sandwich chain is coming to Chicago to capitalize on the buzz over legal recreational marijuana as Cheba Hut inches toward its debut in the city with two locations. One local franchisee has signed a lease in Wicker Park, the company confirmed, while another is working to lock down a space in Wrigleyville or Lincoln Park. Cheba Hut was originally slated to open a restaurant by the end of 2019 in Bucktown (which is near a Wicker Park site the franchisee was considering) with a full bar, toasted subs, and a strong supply of weed puns. But plans for that location ultimately fell through, according to Reuben Rischall of Metro Commercial Real Estate. Ownership pivoted and signed a lease at 1950 W. Division Street, a property Rischall represents as an agent. That’s the same building as Colectivo Coffee at Damen and Division. An opening timeframe is not yet available. Legalization of recreational marijuana went into effect on January 1 in Illinois." - Naomi Waxman

"Weed-themed sandwich chain Cheba Hut plans to be there with plenty of pot puns, a full bar, and a wide-ranging selection of “toasted” subs. The Arizona-based company has signed two three-unit franchise deals in Chicago, and the first is slated to open by the end of 2019." - Naomi Waxman