“Pink’s Hot Dogs” is a brand that began with a food cart purchased by Paul and Betty Pink for $50 in 1939. In 1946, they opened a permanent location on La Brea Avenue near Hollywood, and for over 86 years since then, it has been known as a landmark frequented by movie stars, locals, and tourists from around the world.
The business remains a family-run operation today, led by Paul and Betty’s son, Richard Pink, his wife Gloria, and his sister Beverly. The shop was named the No. 1 hot dog stand in the U.S. by Fodor’s Travel Guide. Additionally, its “Chili Cheese Dog” was selected to represent California in a joint feature by People Magazine and Food & Wine titled “Best Hot Dogs in Every State,” and it has long been recognized by the Los Angeles Times as one of Los Angeles’s premier hot dog stands.
The interior is decorated with over 200 photos and autographs of celebrities, and the brand has appeared frequently in movies and TV shows.
Menu and Store Expansion
The flagship store in Tokyo plans to offer approximately 15 varieties of hot dogs—featuring sausages ranging from 9 inches (approx. 23 cm) to 12 inches (approx. 30 cm) in length—as well as hamburgers, side dishes, desserts, and drinks.
Customers can customize their hot dogs with a wide variety of toppings, including chili, cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and onion rings. The company is also planning to introduce limited-edition menu items and sizes tailored specifically for the Japanese market.
Sunpark, which has signed a master franchise agreement for the Japanese expansion, has announced plans to expand the business through a dual approach of company-owned and franchised stores following the opening of the flagship store, aiming to operate 20 locations—primarily in the Greater Tokyo Area—by the end of 2030.
