|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Who would think an eatery would enjoy success with a name like Doggie Diner? Well, guess what, here’s the story of this once-beloved fast food chain.
The famous chili cheese dog chain, Doggie Diner, was started in 1948 on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland, California. The founder, Al Ross, was dedicated to using only the best quality ingredients. Their delicious, fresh food soon became a huge hit and the slogan, “nothing finer than Doggie Diner,” was born.
As time passed, additional locations opened until there were as many as 30 Doggie Diners throughout the Bay Area. Most were in San Francisco and were open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Day and night, Doggie Diner was always open to provide a tasty meal or treat on the run.
Year after year, Doggie Diner served families, businessmen and Hollywood stars alike. Everyone knew where to find a good chili cheese hot dog, Western hamburger, or hot pastrami sandwich.
Unfortunately, with the influx of huge corporate fast food chains with large advertising budgets, the locally based eatery was unable to compete. Finally, in 1986, Doggie Diner through in the towel and closed its doors.
Its founder, Al Ross, passed away in 2010 at the age of 93.
Many years have passed since the last Doggie Diner hot dog was enjoyed. But fond memories still resonate throughout the Bay Area.
All is not entirely lost, however. The famous Doggie Diner hot dog has not completely disappeared. If you attend Giants games at Oracle Park, the menu includes the Doggie Diner dog. Get yourself a ticket and enjoy!
In 2006, San Francisco’s last Doggie Diner mascot sign was declared an official “historical landmark.” In 2015, The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “the Doggie Diner is one of the five restaurants we wish still existed.”
Since its closure, various reports have surfaced suggesting Doggie Diner will soon return. However, while some of the famous Doggie heads have been displayed occasionally, the famous chain has yet to make a comeback. We’ll keep hoping…..
Everything else is just history
