Pink’s began as a pushcart in 1939, and now the “little” Hollywood hot dog stand is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Paul and Betty Pink borrowed $50 from Betty’s mother and purchased their hot dog cart. All these years later, anyone in Los Angeles with a hankering for a tasty hot dog, still only knows one destination, Pink’s. Richard and Gloria Pink and Beverly Pink-Wolfe now run the famous hot dog stand at the corner of La Brea and Melrose, with a loyal staff – many of whom have worked at Pink’s for more than 20 years. The Pink’s attribute their longevity to the quality of their food and their ability to adapt.

(photo courtesy of Pink's)

“First is the food. It’s fresh and made with quality ingredients. Next, the staff is great. We don’t have a lot of turn over. Third, is the atmosphere. Pink’s is unique, cool and different, and marketing so people know you’re there,” Richard Pink said. “You have to make your hot dogs visually interesting, just like gourmet food,” he said, adding that appealing and interesting selections can entice customers to try new items.

“We are constantly renovating our recipes and combinations of hot dogs,” Gloria added. “And our outdoor patio is a draw during the summer, [seating] up to 50 guests.”

Pink’s offers 35 different hot dogs, many named after celebrities, like the Martha Stewart dog. She drove by Pink’s and saw the long line of hungry patrons so she stopped to discover why there was such excitement. She ordered her custom made hot dog and the Pinks asked Stewart if they could replicate her creative dog and name it after her. She was honored. The Martha Stewart dog is a 9” stretch dog with relish, onions, bacon, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut and sour cream.

The Ozzy Spicy Dog, named for Ozzy Osbourne, is a spicy Polish dog, nacho cheese, American cheese, grilled onions, guacamole and chopped tomatoes.

Another is the Emeril Lagasse Bam Dog – a 9” stretch dog, mustard, onions, cheese, jalapenos, bacon and coleslaw. Lagasse paid tribute to Pink’s on “The Originals”, a show on the Cooking Channel, where Emeril visits iconic food establishments that have helped shape the country’s culinary landscape.

Pink’s may be famous for their hot dogs, but they also offer a variety of hamburgers, onion rings and French fries. The lines can be long at times; however, waiting in line is part of the Pink’s experience. Be sure to stop by the Pink’s photo board, where guests can poke their heads through the cut out and take photos of family members and friends. Fans tweet that they are in line, and post photos on Instagram and Facebook.

With additional locations at City Walk, LAX, Las Vegas, San Diego and the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, you can also find Pink’s at the county fairs, including those in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego and Orange counties.

Pink’s is a Los Angeles landmark where locals and visitors from all over the world come to experience an iconic Pink’s dog. 709 N. La Brea Ave. (323) 931-7594.