Taylor's Maid-Rite: Meat and memories in Marshalltown

A fixture for loose meat sandwiches since 1928

Every loose meat sandwich served at Taylor’s Maid-Rite in Marshalltown comes with a spoon.

It’s a necessity to scoop up the crumbled bits of beef that inevitable spill out beyond the bun’s borders.

Maid-Rites — those delightful ground beef sandwiches served with mustard, diced onion and dill pickles — are one of Iowa’s greatest comfort foods. And one of the best versions is at Taylor’s.

Taylor’s Maid-Rite draws visitors from across the country to eat one of America’s first fast food franchise. (Photo by John Naughton.)

In the mood for something more exotic? You can add a slice of cheese for 37 cents. A regular Maid-Rite costs $5.00 before tax.

Maid-Rites have been around since 1926, when an enterprising butcher from Muscatine, Fred Angell, developed a method for grinding, seasoning and cooking the crumbled delights.

Cliff Taylor bought one of the first franchises from Angell in 1928, according to the diner’s website. It cost $300 (a bargain if you consider it’s lasted nearly a century).

Maid-Rite has had many competitors in the loose meat sandwich market. There are Canteens in Ottumwa, Tastees and Charlie Boys in Sioux City. A recipe my mother used called them taverns.

By any name, they’re delicious.

Crumbled, seasoned ground beef and a bun is the simple recipe for Taylor’s Maid-Rites. But you’ll need a spoon if you want to scoop up that loose meat. (Photo by John Naughton.)

The meat is served warm, savory and tender. Kids and senior citizens alike love them.