The Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame was created to honor hot dog operations that have achieved longevity and developed into true neighborhood landmarks. We are proud to be able to highlight on these establishments. Out of thousands of Vienna Beef customers, only 117 have been recognized since 2006. Our 118th addition is Wally’s Restaurant in Park Ridge, Illinois.
For the past 40 years, this bustling triangular corner located at Northwest Highway and Oakton Street in Park Ridge has been the home to Wally’s Restaurant. Besides owner Peter Buhelos; his staff, including Kim, Manny, Peggy, Enriquez, Wilfredo, Bill, Mario, Mona and 30 others, are known to many of their large customer base.” Its iconic sign features a big red “W” that looks a lot like an upside down letter of a well known national fast food restaurant. A three stool diner whose original owner was named Wally, became an expanded reality when Gregory Buhelos bought Wally’s and was joined along the way with his two sons, Peter and Gary, established this food service icon. Over these past four decades Wally’s has been a familiar and valuable part of the Park Ridge community, featuring their famous gyros and Vienna Beef hot dogs, as well as many other menu specialties. Wally’s is a favorite of local high school students and also three generations of other community ‘regulars.’ Wally’s is said to be “that nice place with character featuring good food and friendly great service.” Peter is very proud of his entire staff, and that is one of the special qualities that make a true Hall of Fame restaurant pass the test of time. It is that commitment to their food, their staff, their customers and their community.
As Vienna Beef celebrates its 125th anniversary, it’s our turn to acknowledge and congratulate Peter Buhelos, his retired brother Gary Buhelos, the memory of their father Gregory, and the entire staff as we welcome Wally’s Restaurant into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame. This award symbolizes loyalty, character, and community and is given to those very special places that have distinguished themselves with those attributes. All of us at Vienna Beef wish Wally’s much continued success in the years to come!
