Chicago 'Sausage Superstore' Hot Doug's To Close In October
One of Chicago's most beloved hot dog restaurants and self-identified "sausage superstore," is slated to close its doors on Saturday, October 4th. The announcement from Hot Doug's, which was recently named one of The Daily Meal's 50 Best Casual Restaurants in America, is deeply upsetting to Chicago residents and hot dog lovers alike.
According to NBC Chicago, the restaurant has been the site of a wedding proposal and has inspired a number of tattoos as a result of owner Doug Sohn's promise to give out free meals for life if fans showed their permanent loyalty.
The announcement was made on the Hot Doug's website with little fanfare, at the bottom of an announcement for the restaurant's Memorial Day closings.
"Hot Doug's will be closed for Memorial Day(s) Monday, May 26 through Wednesday, May 28th," reads the page. "We will re-open Thursday, May 29. Oh by the way, permanent vacation begins Saturday, October 4."
On Twitter, Hot Doug's bid another simple farewell:
My friends, we'll serve our last encased meats 10/3. We thank you for your support & suggest you don't get a Hot Doug's tattoo any time soon
— Hot Doug's (@hotdougs) May 6, 2014
Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.