Felony Franks hot dog stand on West Side closing

June 3, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A Chicago hot dog stand that drew attention and criticism for a crime-theme menu, logo and hiring former convicts is slated to close Monday.

The owner of Felony Franks says increasing crime and loitering in the area have decreased his sales.

The restaurant received a lot of attention because of its criminally themed menu and its staff. Owner Jim Andrews says he's hired dozens of ex-offenders since opening the stand in 2009.

Manager Brian Smiley is a convicted felon. He says the restaurant gave him another chance in life.

Andrews says closing the shop will present a major problem for many of the workers who will lose their jobs because they all have criminal records.

The restaurant was once under scrutiny by a Chicago alderman who said the restaurant's name, logo and slogans were in bad taste and a bad influence for young people. The restaurant fought a legal battle with the city to erect a sign outside.

One of the restaurant's slogans includes, "Home of the misdemeanor wiener."

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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