Kens Diner is a must when you are in Chicago. Owner Ken Hechtman opened Kens Diner in 1976. Kens Diner is a deli, sandwich shop and grocery and was the first, ever of its kind to be opened on the North Shore of Chicago. Kens Diner is loosely based on a deli in Wisconsin called the “Pop or Shop" from his childhood memories. Kens Diner is a 50's inspired lively and fun Diner that serves all the American classis you could want.