In South County, a new fast-casual eatery offers the St. Louis area a taste of Chicago. Mike’s Italian Beef debuted in Affton, Missouri, on Jan. 15, featuring Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches, smash burgers, hot dogs, hand-cut fries and more.

The concept comes from chef-owner Mike Roos and owner George Simon, who also owns neighboring Middle Eastern café Sedara Sweets and Ice Cream. Roos, who has previously served as the sous chef of restaurants such as The Frisco Barroom and Delta Queen Port of Call, was working for Sedara running its food truck when Simon approached him with an opportunity to open a business of his own.