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Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop
This Springfield institution has been a part of my life forever, so it was only natural that I produce a story on this amazing restaurant. My mom and dad used to eat there when they were students at Springfield High School. As a child my Dad loved to take me to the Maid–Rite and it was a tradition that we had to sit in the “original” dining room ... which can only hold about 8 people. Back then I never realized how small it was, but when I visit as an adult I’m amazed at the tiny space.
When I was a student at Springfield High School my girlfriends and I were at the Maid-Rite regularly for the homemade root beer and cheese fries. Now that the high school has a closed campus, I regret that current students can’t have the same midday experience. But there are still plenty of regulars to fill the place during the noon hour. Thankfully current owner Sam Quasi has kept the place the same ... still using the same recipes for the loose meat sandwiches and the root beer.
While we were there recording the story, I noticed that the customers were a true cross-section of Springfield … policemen, florists, construction workers. Old, young and everyone in between. The Maid–Rite sandwich appeals to all … I especially enjoyed getting my crew, Virginia Steffen and Julius Bolton, addicted to the Maid-Rite. When we were back in Springfield a few weeks later taping another story we had to go there again for lunch.
Now that my Dad is gone, another reason I go to the Maid-Rite is to remember him. Whenever I take my boys there and they are slurping down the root beer and eating the special ice cream sundaes that Sam gives to all of his younger patrons, I feet that my dad is there with us enjoying this special Springfield meal.
Segment duration: 06:32
Producer: Alison Davis Wood
This segment is filed in these categories: Food/Restaurants • Illinois Culture/History • Springfield
Hands down, that was the best restaurant review I ever came across. You managed to describe in such a vivid details why Maid-Rite appeals to “Old, young and everyone in between” - I enjoyed your post thoroughly. Thank you.
They look yummy. 
Want eat it 
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