The beloved corn dog chain restaurant Hot Dog on a Stick is officially reopening its original Muscle Beach location in Santa Monica at 1633 Ocean Front Walk.
The company first launched here in Santa Monica’s famous Muscle Beach in 1946. The iconic landmark has undergone several renovations in the past few months and is getting closer to reopening 76 years after its debut. American multi-brand restaurant operator FAT Brands expects to have a grand opening in April 2023, according to a recent press release. Instead of trying to fit the opening in towards the end of the year, the company decided to wait until the anniversary month of the brand.
“We are thrilled to officially open our doors again to our loyal fans,” Jenn Johnston, President of FAT Brands’ Quick-Service Division, said in a press release. “Hot Dog on a Stick Muscle Beach put us on the map and was key in defining our overall brand experience, which has made us so special for all these years. While guests will take notice of our new look; we worked diligently to ensure the location didn’t lose its nostalgia.”
Hot Dog on a Stick was founded by Dave Barham, who owned the company until his passing in 1991. Barham decided to leave the restaurant chain in the hands of the company’s franchisees, making it the nation’s only 100 percent employee-owned and operated fast food restaurant chain. In 2021, the company was acquired by FAT Brands, which also owns Fat Burger and Johnny Rockets. Since the company’s launch, the brand has expanded to 45 locations in California, New Mexico, Hawaii, Utah, and Nevada.