Shill’s Maid-Rite first opened its doors in 1968 on the north end of Mason City, Iowa, under the ownership of Chuck Shill. A decade later, in 1978, Chuck moved the business into a larger location—the same spot where we proudly serve the community today.
In 1996, ownership passed to Dwayne Prohaski. With the transition, the restaurant stepped away from the Maid-Rite franchise and became Pro’s Sandwich Shop. The famous Maid-Rite sandwich was renamed the “Beef Delight,” keeping the flavor and tradition alive under a new name.
The story continued in 2014, when Lois and Allen Awe took over and renamed the business Awe’z Sandwich Shop. Staying true to its roots, they carried on the long-standing tradition of serving comfort food in a welcoming, family-focused atmosphere. And in this case, “family” really means family—Lois and Allen’s daughter, Jennifer, manages the shop, while Lois’ sister, Debbie, and their granddaughter-in-law help keep the friendly spirit alive every day.
Today, Awe’z Sandwich Shop remains a community staple, blending decades of tradition with the warmth of a true family business.