Tail O’ the Pup Hot Dog Stand has Grand Re-Opening in West Hollywood

Historic Tail O’ the Pup hot dog stand celebrated a grand re-opening in the City of West Hollywood during National Hot Dog Day, Wednesday, July 20, 2022. The hot dog-shaped stand located at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard, received a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister joined co-owner Bobby Green and his business associates at the celebration for the ribbon-cutting. Council member John D’Amico attended the grand opening after the ribbon-cutting.

The Chamber presented the owners with a framed dollar bill as a symbol for good luck.

Mayor Meister showed up with a Certificate of Recognition presented on behalf of the West Hollywood City Council to welcome the business to the neighborhood.

The grand opening attracted a large crowd to Santa Monica Boulevard. There was also a lot of local media on hand to capture the ceremony. A long line curled down La Cienega Boulevard with fans patiently waiting get a taste on National Hot Dog Day.

Mayor Meister was the first in line as soon as the side of the hot dog opened for business. She describes herself as a simple eater and ordered a Cheezy Dog and Fries.

The 18-foot hotdog stand had a soft opening on Friday, July 8th with limited hours. The hours are now new extended from 11am to 10pm.

The new menu features some classic items like 1946 Pup–a split-and-grilled hot dog in a toasted bun with grilled onions and mustard.

Some newer items to keep up with the times, include corn dogs, smash burgers, fries, shakes and there are also some vegan options.

The original hotdog stand first opened in 1946. Dennis and his Father Eddie Blake owned the hotdog stand since 1976. It originally stood on the northwest corner of Beverly and La Cienega boulevards. The opening of Sofitel Hotel in the 80s moved it down the street to the northwest corner of Beverly and San Vicente boulevards. It would move further north to a Cedars Sinai parking lot on San Vicente, before vanishing in 2005. It’s been in storage since and rumored that it was reopening at various locations dating back as far as 2016.

The historical Tail O’ The Pup hot dog stand is opening at a property that is no stranger to historical significance. The restaurant and lounge property located at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard has a plaque at its entrance stating that this is where The Doors recorded L.A. Woman in 1971.

According to tailothepup.com, 1933 Group purchased the Tail o’ the Pup facade some time in 2018/19 and has been looking for a location in West Hollywood.

1933 Group is credited for a list of historical restorations:

“Formed over two decades ago, the 1933 Group helms a lauded portfolio of hospitality establishments in Los Angeles, including the historical restorations of the Formosa Cafe, Highland Park Bowl and the barrel-shaped Idle Hour in North Hollywood, Harlowe in West Hollywood, Sassafras in Hollywood, La Cuevita in Highland Park, Bigfoot Lodge in Los Feliz, Thirsty Crow in Silver Lake, Culver City’s Bigfoot West and Oldfield’s Liquor Room, and the soon-to-be restored iconic Tail o’ the Pup. Combining design aesthetics that embrace various time periods in early America with a passion for cocktails and the revival of the art of bartending, owners Bobby Green, Dimitri Komarov, and Dmitry Liberman create imaginative libations and scenes throughout LA’s drinking landscape. Each concept reflects bold, modern interpretations, reflective of the company’s dynamic partners and memorable eras.”