Maria Marszewski: A Chicago Food Icon

Kim Yong Soon, widely known as Maria, has become a beloved figure among bar regulars in Chicago. Maria Marszewski moved from South Korea to Chicago’s South Side with her husband 60 years ago. Thirteen years later, she became a widow, responsible for raising their two sons and managing his bar. She transitioned from a licensed beautician to a real estate figure, eventually purchasing a strip mall where she launched her own imaginative restaurant.

She also acquired a building in Bridgeport, assuming control of an existing bar and an attached liquor store 40 years ago. When it was time for another change, she handed the business to her sons. They opened Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar in 2010, marking a new chapter for the community.

Below is an interview conducted with her son, Ed Marszewski, president of Marz Community Brewing and founding director of the Public Media Institute. It has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Early Life and Career

Q: What is your full name (birth and now)?
A: “Kim Yong Soon and Maria Marszewski.” A Catholic priest named her Maria during confirmation.

Q: When were you born?
A: “Feb. 7, 1937.”

Q: Where were you born?
A: “Pusan, Korea.” Now known as Busan.

Q: When did you come to Chicago?
A: “1966.”

Maria initially worked as a beautician in South Korea. After moving, she obtained her cosmetology license in the U.S. and opened a beauty shop in her home. Her husband, James Marszewski, left her with a bar to run after his passing in 1979. Maria managed Jim’s 31st Street Inn before selling it. She further expanded into real estate, buying a strip mall called Little Palestine and creating the House of Kim restaurant, which offered diverse cuisine and unique dining experiences.

Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar

Q: What is your business’s full name?
A: “Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar.” Originally Kaplan’s Liquors, she acquired and renamed it in 1986.

Q: What was your business title?
A: “Owner.” She also known as The Boss and The Duchess of Bridgeport.

The bar, officially named after Maria in 2010, continues as a family-operated establishment. It features Marz Beer and the popular Korean Polish sausage on its menu. KoPo sausage, using chef Won Kim’s recipe, is served at Kimski, their creative casual restaurant next door. The Maria’s Standard includes this sausage topped with house-made kimchi, soju mustard, and scallions on a brioche bun with fries.

Marz Community Brewing, co-founded by Ed Marszewski, provides bestselling beers like Jungle Boogie and Chug Life, offering variety according to the season.

Reflections and Advice

Q: What is your most memorable moment?
A: “Knowing I could feed and educate my kids running my own business.”

Q: What advice would you share with the next generation?
A: “In order to run a good business, do not drink too much.” Maria, who abstains from alcohol, enjoys hot black tea or coffee.

Maria remains active, visiting her namesake bar four days a week. Her impactful story and business legacy inspire the community.