Wheeling Superdawg opening delayed at least until summer

Wheeling residents will have to curb their Superdawg craving likely until the summer.

Bad weather and financing problems have delayed the restaurant's construction and opening, originally planned for February.

The iconic Chicago drive-in eatery aims to open a second location near a forested area at 335 S. Milwaukee Ave.

It will be a mirror image of the original Superdawg, which founders Maurie and Flaurie Berman opened in May 1948 at 6363 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. The building will be topped off with the most recognizable Superdawg signature, two 14-foot hot dog statues depicting Maurie and Flaurie.

The owners acquired the necessary village permits to start construction last fall and broke ground on the project in August. There has been no work on-site since, said Maurie Berman.

Berman said the bank has been holding up financing for the roughly $6 million project and contractors won't work as long as the weather doesn't improve.

"Right now, I'm breathing very heavily," said the 83-year-old. "We'd love to (open). The sooner the better. Yesterday would be too late really. Of course, the economic disaster is not helping anything being pushed along quickly. As soon as the (bank) disbursement is made, we move."

Berman anticipates it will take four months to build the restaurant once work begins. He said he hopes to provide a more definite opening date within a week.

Wheeling officials are optimistic the project will move forward as planned.

"The community has been waiting with great anticipation for them to be here," village Trustee Judy Abruscato said.

"I think it will be here ... hopefully this summer or no later than the fall. In this day and age, you have to be patient with everything."