Million Dollar Hotdog Stand

Founded by one Chicagoland hippie with a major case of the munchies

During the early 1970s, Mel embarked on a tour of Florida with his Rock ‘n’ Roll band, sporting their picked afros and packing American flag unitards (yes, there are photos to back it up). Traveling from one gig to another in a hollowed-out old school bus, Mel and his eclectic group of musicians made their way through the Sunshine State.

After a particularly late night, Mel found himself in Tampa, craving the comfort food of his hometown: the Chicago-style hot dog. However, his quest turned futile as he discovered not a single hot dog stand in the entire city. This absence surprised Mel, accustomed to the abundance of hot dog stands lining the streets of Chicago. Ever the entrepreneur, Mel saw an opportunity. On July 3rd, 1973, Mel’s Hot Dogs opened its doors on the corner of 42nd Street and Busch Boulevard…