Los Angeles’ iconic hot dog restaurant, Pink’s Hot Dogs, is planning to expand its footprint overseas.
Pink’s, which has operated at the corner of La Brea Avenue and Melrose Avenue for more than 80 years, is set to open its first location in Japan by year’s end.
The restaurant has signed a deal with Japanese restaurant group Sunpark to open a Tokyo branch and then expand elsewhere in the country, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Sunpark already operates a variety of restaurant chains, including Takagi Coffee, known for its fluffy soufflé pancakes. The chain has a location in Beverly Grove.
Pink’s goal is to open multiple branches across Japan by 2030, according to SFGate.
Pink’s Hot Dogs location at the L.A. Zoo. (Los Angeles Zoo)
Unlike the original Los Angeles location, which offers more than 40 hot dog combinations named after celebrities ranging from Martha Stewart to Mario Lopez, the Tokyo location will offer 15 hot dogs, burgers, and side dishes featuring toppings unique to Japan, according to the Times.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring Pink’s Hot Dogs to Japan and open our first location in Tokyo. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming so many guests from Japan to Pink’s in Los Angeles, and it has always meant a great deal to our family to see the enthusiasm and affection they have for Pink’s,” Richard Pink, co-owner of Pink’s Hot Dogs, said in a statement to KTLA.
“Now, we have the opportunity to bring a piece of that Los Angeles tradition to Japan. We can’t wait to welcome guests in Tokyo and share the Pink’s experience, our history and our hospitality with a whole new community.”
Opened in 1939 as a hot dog stand by Paul and Betty Pink, the family-owned business now serves more than 1,200 hot dogs per day. The restaurant also has several off-site locations, including stands at Universal CityWalk and the Los Angeles Zoo.
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