Historic hot dog chain and Nathan’s rival closes location after 75 years of service – as owner reveals what happened
A REGIONAL favorite hot dog franchise will have lost one of its locations come July.
Caspers Hot Dogs is a small franchised hot dog stand in the California Bay Area that has been around since 1949.
GettyCaspers Hot Dogs, a small franchised hot dog stand located in the California Bay Area, is shutting down one of its locations[/caption]
GoogleWith its unique geometric shape and structure and hanging neon sign, this Hayward Caspers location is drenched in history[/caption]
Its Hayward location, now multiple decades old, will be closing come July 13, much to the disappointment of dedicated patrons.
Co-owner Ron Dorian explained that the decision came as Caspers made the move to downsize its operations, reported SFGate.
The decision came after a culmination of decreased Hayward foot traffic and the presence of a competing, newer Caspers in the area.
Although laden with history, the owners chose to close up the older location, with Dorian citing it as a more “logical” decision.
Once the 951 C St. Hayward location closes, the company will be left with just six locations:
1280 Newell Hill Pl., Walnut Creek
2530 MacDonald Ave., Richmond
6 Vivian Drive, Pleasant Hill
5440 Telegraph Ave., Oakland
21670 Foothill Blvd., Hayward
6998 Village Parkway, Dublin
The store originally opened in 1949, before expanding to its peak fo seven stores.
Knowing what the establishment meant to the community, Dorian thanked “loyal, multi-generational customers” who have been visiting the restaurant since its inception.
“We appreciate the memories our customers have made in downtown Hayward and encourage them to visit our Caspers location just a mile up the road on Foothill Blvd. to continue their traditions and create new ones for generations to come,” Dorian said in a statement.
Co-owner Paul Rustigian, Dorian’s cousin, shared his own words or gratitude, this time, aimed at employees.
He thanked workers “who provided friendly service and exceptional dedication in making Caspers C Street a favorite among local Hayward residents.”
The location was built, as one of the first restaurants, by the pair’s elders, Steve and Ardam Beklian (Dorian’s grandparents) and Paul and Rose Agajan (Rustigian’s grandparents).
‘IT DATES BACK TO WHEN MY GRANDFATHER WAS STILL ALIVE’
With its unique geometric shape and structure and hanging neon sign, this Hayward Caspers location is drenched in history.
The first restaurant was opened in 1934 in Oakland, before it’s continued success allowed for expansion throughout the Bay Area.
Ardam and Rose took over the business after their husbands passed away, keeping the business thriving.
As the wives moved through their lives, they began bringing in more family members to help run the stands, resulting in Dorian and Rustigian’s eventual leadership.
RECENT OAKLAND BUSINESS CLOSURES
Other busniesses have closed in the Oakland area in recent months due to crime.
Park Hotels and Resorts has announced the August 28 closure of the Hilton Hotel near the Oakland, California Airport.
“We understand that the hospitality sector continues to be negatively impacted by larger economic trends post-pandemic, and as the owner of this site the Port will be seeking the best Port use for this property moving forward,” the Port of Oakland said in a statement.
“The Port will work with the facility operators and the City of Oakland about assistance that can be offered to employees who might be affected by this closure.”
In-N-Out will pull the plug on its Oakland, California restaurant on March 24 after 18 years in business.
“Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies,” said Denny Warnick, Chief Operating Officer.
Target, Starbucks, and Taco Bell all shuttered locations in the area citing rising crime rates as a predominant reason.
The operation is now a third-generation family legacy.
Dorian, for his part, struggles to balance sentimentality with the practicality necessary to run the business.
“What I’ll miss most about [the C St. store] is that it’s one of only two locations that dates back to when my grandfather was still alive,” Dorian explained.
“Historically, it’s very sad for me, but beyond the sentimentality, it’s a good move for the company,” he continued.
By the end of the year, Dorian will be retiring, making Rustigian full owner, marking another historic change in the business’s leadership.
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