Maria Marszewski’s Journey from South Korea to Chicago’s Food Icon

Kim Yong Soon, known to many in Chicago as Maria Marszewski, is a name familiar to generations frequenting her bar. She emigrated from South Korea to Chicago’s South Side 60 years ago with her husband. Tragically, she was widowed 13 years later, left to raise two young sons and manage her husband’s bar.

Building a Business

Despite challenges, Maria turned herself into a modest real estate mogul. She bought a strip mall and created her own restaurant. Forty years ago, she took over a building in Bridgeport, establishing a bar and liquor store.

Eventually, she handed over her business to her sons. They opened Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar in 2010. This move transformed the local community.

Background and Arrival in Chicago

Kim Yong Soon and Maria Marszewski.

In Korean culture, the last name is Kim. A Catholic priest named her Maria during her confirmation. Born on February 7, 1937, in Pusan (now Busan), South Korea, she came to Chicago in 1966 after marrying James Marszewski in Chuncheon, South Korea.

Early Career

Maria initially worked as a beautician in South Korea and later gained her cosmetology license in Chicago. She opened a home-based beauty shop in Mount Greenwood. After her husband’s passing in 1979, she managed his bar, Jim’s 31st Street Inn, which she later sold. Her real estate ventures included acquiring a strip mall and building her own restaurant, House of Kim, known for its unique fusion of Korean and Japanese cuisine.

Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar

The building housing the bar, originally Kaplan’s Liquors, became hers in 1986. Maria’s sons grew up around the bar and later dedicated it to her in 2010. Her son, Mike Marszewski, now owns it, while she is affectionately called Mom, The Boss, and The Duchess of Bridgeport.

The bar’s bestseller is Marz Beer and the Korean Polish sausage. The sausage, made by Makowski’s Real Sausage Co., uses a recipe by chef Won Kim and is served at Kimski, a casual restaurant part of the bar.

Memorable Moment and Advice

Maria treasures the memory of supporting her children’s education and lives through her business. She visits her namesake bar regularly. Her advice to future generations: “To run a good business, do not drink too much.” Maria abstains from alcohol, preferring hot black tea or coffee.

Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar continues to thrive as a community staple.