The intersection of La Brea and Melrose avenues is closer to becoming Pink’s Square after the Los Angeles City Council’s Public Works Committee on March 7 approved designating the crossroads in honor of the nearby Pink’s Hot Dog stand.

The City Council moved closer to designating the intersection of Melrose and La Brea avenues as Pink’s Square in honor of the iconic hot dog stand. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The designation was requested in a motion by Councilman Paul Koretz, 5th District, who said he is a longtime fan and customer of Pink’s Hot Dogs and believes the stand is an important part of the history of Hollywood and Los Angeles. The full Los Angeles City Council, which was on recess this week, could consider the designation as early as next week.

Richard Pink, who operates the stand with his wife Gloria and sister Beverly, said he is optimistic after the committee’s approval last week. Richard and Beverly are the children of founders Paul and Betty Pink, who started selling hot dogs from a pushcart near the corner in 1939. Richard Pink came to Koretz with the idea of potentially designating the intersection, and gained the support of the Mid City West and Greater Wilshire neighborhood councils.

“It’s such an honor to my parents having started this business 78 years ago,” Pink said. “It symbolizes the struggle of 78 years of keeping a business going. It takes a lot of hard work.”

The council will consider designating the intersection, as well as installing pink striped crosswalks. Once the full City Council approves the designation, the Department of Public Works and Koretz’s Office will work on a timeline for implementing the project. Pink hopes the signage will feature an image of the stand or his parents as an homage.

Pink’s Hot Dogs is a destination for residents and tourists, with customers lining up for the famous chili cheese dogs and other varieties. Pink added that he plans to host a charity event on the date when Pink’s Square is formally unveiled.

“We want to do something that marks this historic occasion,” Pink added. “Gloria, Beverly and I haven’t decided, but I know it will be something special.”