Photo by Carl Myers
Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — The iconic Pink’s Hot Dogs has opened a location at the L.A. Zoo, bringing its world-famous wieners to more than 1.5 million annual zoo visitors.
The new location is adjacent to the Cape Vulture Plaza, offering staple menu items such as Pink’s Famous Chili Dog, the Guadalajara Dog and, of course, the Betty White Dog.
“The Los Angeles Zoo and Pink’s Hot Dogs are both deeply rooted in Los Angeles history and culture, and this partnership is one that I believe every Angeleno will enjoy,” Denise Verret, CEO and zoo director, said in a statement April 10.
“One of the greatest aspects of the zoo is that we are uniquely L.A., and there is no better place for one of L.A.’s legendary eateries that has been a staple in our community for more than 85 years.”
Known for its long-enduring hot dog stand with its signed headshots of its famous visitors on the corner of La Brea and Melrose in Hollywood, Pink’s has been an L.A. landmark since 1939. It claims to serve more than 1,200 hot dogs and 200 hamburgers a day.
The eatery offers a variety of hot dogs and hamburgers named after celebrities who have patronized the establishment, including White — a zoo supporter who had a commemorative hot dog named for her in 2010.
“Pink’s Hot Dogs does not open locations just anywhere,” Richard Pink, co-owner of Pink’s, said in a statement. “The L.A. Zoo is a treasured institution in the Los Angeles community, and the marriage of our two brands is a perfect fit.
“Pink’s has been a supporter and partner to the zoo for many years, and now we’ll be able to offer everyone who visits the zoo items from our one-of-a-kind menu that’s made us famous.”
