Art's Famous Chili Dog Stand
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food service |
| Founded | 1939 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Art Elkind |
| Defunct | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Hot dogs, chili dogs |
Art's Famous Chili Dogs was a hot dog stand located in Los Angeles, California, established in 1939 by Art Elkind, who remained its proprietor until 1990. Celebrated for its signature chili dogs, it garnered recognition from local press and fans as one of the premier spots in the city.
History
Initially a chemical engineer, Art Elkind founded the business amid the Great Depression after facing employment difficulties. The original stand debuted in 1939 approximately two miles west of where it ultimately settled. In 1944, it moved to the corner of Florence Avenue and Normandie Avenue, remaining there for many years. Elkind asserted that he created the chili dog by combining hot dogs with chili on a pushcart, though this origin story has been disputed by other vendors. He also invented a special hot dog steamer that ensured uniform heat distribution across all components and crafted a distinctive casing-free hot dog recipe, which contributed to the product's unique taste.
The establishment's success was driven not only by its food but also by Elkind’s strong yet compassionate character. Following his passing from a heart attack on October 3, 1990, new owners acquired and refurbished the stand in 1994.
Rodney King riots
The intersection at Florence and Normandie, site of Art's Famous Chili Dogs, is historically significant as the flashpoint of the Rodney King Riots. Before these events, the location was well-known for Art's Famous Chili Dogs, which served as a local culinary landmark from 1939 until its closure in 2020, famous particularly for its chili cheese dogs.
Reception
Art's Famous Chili Dogs received acclaim from various Los Angeles media outlets. LA Weekly highlighted its timeless appeal, and Shaw’s 1972 review awarded it a five-star rating. The establishment closed permanently on March 8, 2020.