Hot Dog Island

July 12, 2006

Hot Dog Island
4925 W. Dempster Street
Skokie, IL 60077

Back in October, 1967, when the Cardinals were defeating the Red Sox in the World Series and we were watching films like The Graduate and Guess who’s Coming To Dinner at the theatres; Whitey and Edith Siegel were introducing people to their new hot dog stand at the improbable intersection of Gross Point, Central and Crawford where Evanston meets Wilmette. Appropriately, they called it… The Hot Dog Island.

Together with daughter, Joanne and son-in-law, Jerry Pincus, they grew the business and moved to a larger location in Glenview in 1978, where they remained for 25 years serving the Glenview, Niles and Morton Grove communities. They became a neighborhood icon starting unique sandwich creations along with having a great place to eat and schmooze.

When they lost their lease, they moved along with their loyal customers to their current location on Dempster, in Skokie. Jeff and Linda Serota are now perpetuating the tradition providing the same menu and friendly service to the Island’s old friends and new acquaintances.

Vienna Beef would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hot Dog Island and welcome this Chicago north shore icon to the Hot Dog Hall of Fame. Best wishes from the entire Vienna Beef family.