THE ORIGINAL HOT DOG SHOP
The Original Hot Dog Shop founded by Syd & Moe Simon opened in the shadows of Forbes Field during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ unforgettable, 1960 World Series Championship season. It was thought, “where would a better place be than outside of a ballpark to open a hot dog and burger stand?” Over the years the small store originally named “House of Beef” and “Franks & Burgers” later renamed “The Original Hot Dog Shop” has received national and international acclaim. The Original Hot dog Shop has been shown on various television programs such as The Food Network’s “Unwrapped”, The PBS Special “A Hot Dog Program” not to mention several other magazines and newspaper articles. Over the last 60 years the Oakland community of Pittsburgh has experienced vast transformation being home to many of the region’s leading universities and hospitals. The Original Hot Dog Shop – dedicated to Syd’s wife Essie – has an incredible history to match the development of such a special neighborhood. Our Oakland store and website is a tribute to Essie and Syd Simon’s dream.