Pink's Hot Dogs to Open First Location in Tokyo
The iconic Los Angeles-based hot dog chain is expanding internationally, with plans for its first Japanese restaurant by year's end.
Pink's Hot Dogs, a Los Angeles institution for over 80 years, is set to open its first international location in Tokyo, Japan, by the end of the year. The expansion is being undertaken in partnership with Sunpark, a Japanese franchise operator that manages more than 100 restaurants across the country.
"We are confident in Sunpark’s ability to maintain the high standards of food quality, atmosphere, and service that have defined Pink’s for generations," a company representative told NBC LA. The partnership aims to bring Pink's signature chili dogs and other offerings to a new global market.
Richard Pink, co-owner of the business, noted the significant interest from Japanese customers who visit the Los Angeles locations. "We have so many Japanese customers coming to Pink’s and they hear about it, and many of them come with their suitcases, and they’re either coming from the airport or going to the airport," Pink told the LA Times. "They stop off at Pink’s and want to try a chili dog. It’s fascinating."
The Tokyo flagship restaurant will feature 15 hot dog options tailored to local tastes, alongside burgers and desserts. Pink indicated that this initial opening is just the beginning, with aspirations to open between five and 10 additional stores in Japan.
"It will be unique and different in Japan, and hopefully, they like hot dogs as much as Americans do, and they like the authenticity of Pink’s, the history, the Hollywood connection," the company stated. "And so for all those reasons we felt very confident that this was the right move to make."
The original Pink's stand, located near La Brea Avenue and Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, has been a popular spot since its inception in 1939. Founded by Paul and Betty Pink, it began as a pushcart selling hot dogs for 10 cents. Today, the menu boasts over 40 varieties of hot dogs, including signature items named after celebrities.
Pink's currently operates eight locations throughout Southern California and Nevada, as well as international eateries in the Philippines. An additional location is slated to open in South Korea in November, with further expansion planned for Singapore, Australia, and Mexico.