Taylor’s Maid-Rite wins ‘best sandwich in Iowa’
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Even after 88 years, the accolades continue to roll in.
The famous loose-meat sandwich served by local restaurant icon Taylor's Maid-Rite is Iowa's top sandwich in "The Best Sandwich in Every State" competition by MSN.com.
Writer Dan Myers posted the announcement late last month.
"An Iowa staple that's a true Midwestern regional specialty, the "loose-meat" sandwich (also called a tavern sandwich) can be thought of as a sloppy Joe without the sauce: crumbled seasoned ground beef on a bun, topped with mustard, pickles, and chopped onions," reported Myers. "Even though you can find it in plenty of restaurants, the one to visit is Taylor's Maid-Rite in Marshalltown. Going strong since 1928, it's a truly historic institution; there are Maid-Rite franchised locations all across the Midwest."
"We are proud to receive it," said Sandy Taylor Short of Marshalltown who operates the famous eatery. "It is a tribute to the family, and our many loyal customers and employees over the years."
Short and her late husband Con took over operations from son Don approximately 13 years ago.
Sandy is the daughter of the late Don and Polly Taylor who operated the business for many years.
Taylor's has steadfastly followed a business model which gives customers 100 percent choice beef on a fresh bun. Ice cream is made from an original recipe and there are fresh baked pies.
Maid-Rite originator Fred Angell started the concept in Muscatine in 1926. He began to franchise his idea, selling the rights to operators in Newton in 1927 and Marshalltown in 1928.
Cliff Taylor purchased the Marshalltown franchise for $300. He and his family operated Taylor's Maid-Rite Hamburger Shop; baking pies at home, slicing whole pickles from Marshall Vinegar Works and buns from Strand's Bakery.
After Cliff's death in 1944, his son Don Taylor and wife Polly took over. Don continued to run the business in the same fashion, even building a cooler in the basement of his home to store the hamburger ground daily.
In 1958, Don Taylor built a "state of the art" building, now its current location -- 106 S. 3rd Ave. -- across the street from the original business -- 105 S. 3rd Ave.
The new Maid-Rite was high tech for the time; all equipment was stainless steel, the counters were up on legs for better cleaning, and had two cash registers.
Don Taylor continued to operate a successful, popular, and efficient business until his death in 1973. Polly with the assistance of many long time employees continued with the day-to-day operations until 1985 when her grandson Don Short took over.
For more information, visit www.thedailymeal.com/taylors-maid-rite.