Pink’s Hot Dogs on La Brea Avenue has temporarily closed during the recent surge in cases during the pandemic, but the owners are eager to reopen soon. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Out of an abundance of caution, the owners of Pink’s Hot Dogs have decided to temporarily close the iconic stand near Melrose and La Brea avenues amid a countywide spike in new COVID-19 cases.

“I have decided to close Pink’s to keep my employees and customers safe,” owner Richard Pink said. “I expect we will be closed for two months until the current COVID surge subsides and there is more availability at local hospitals to care for COVID patients. It just seems too risky for staff and patrons to keep Pink’s open.”

Pink’s Hot Dogs was closed from late-March through early-August during previous coronavirus public health orders, and reopened with new safety measures including Plexiglass barriers, frequent sanitization and strict physical distancing requirements. Outdoor dining was allowed when permitted by county public health orders, and take-out continued until the recent decision was made to temporarily close.

Pink stressed that the recent decision to close was not made for financial reasons, but in the best interest of the public. He said employees will be paid until they begin receiving state unemployment assistance. Pink added that he is eager to reopen once the surge in COVID-19 cases subsides.

“I am doing this to protect my staff and customers. We had all of the safety protocols in place recommended for restaurants to operate, but it just seemed way too risky for my staff and my customers to stay open,” Pink added. “Maybe in mid-March or early-April, we will be back at that point where we are not under stay-at-home orders and outdoor dining will be allowed. We are very eager to get back to that point and welcome customers back to Pink’s.”

Pink’s Hot Dogs is located at 709 N. La Brea Ave. For information, visit pinkshollywood.com.