Hot Dog on a Stick
Corn dogs and lemonade since 1946.
Hot Dog on a Stick is a fast food company founded by Dave Barham in Santa Monica, California, in 1946. It later expanded into malls and shopping centers, and from 2014 to 2021 was owned by Global Franchise Group based in Atlanta, GA. The brand was acquired by FAT Brands in July 2021.
Quick Facts
- Founder
- Dave Barham
- Founded
- 1946; Santa Monica, California, U.S.
- Headquarters
- Carlsbad, California
- Country
- U.S
- Locations
- 37 (2026)
- Products
- Hot dogs
- Revenue
- US$45 million (2021)
- Industry
- Restaurants
Facts from the source article.
History
The first Hot Dog on a Stick store opened at the original Muscle Beach location next to the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, in 1946, serving lemonade and corn dogs on sticks. A second location opened in the late 1950s at Pacific Ocean Park (also stylized as "P.O.P.") in Santa Monica. In 1962, a third location opened on the Redondo Beach Pier; it operated independently as "Craig's Hot Dog on a Stick" until its permanent closure in September 2024.
The chain later expanded into a large food chain, with most of its 35 US locations in popular regional shopping malls, plus international franchised locations in South Korea and Shanghai, China. On January 26, 2026, parent company FAT Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion. On April 30, 2026, FAT Brands announced the sale of Hot Dog on a Stick to Amazing Brands, LLC for $8 million.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hot Dog on a Stick headquartered?
Hot Dog on a Stick is headquartered in Carlsbad, California, U.S.
What industry is Hot Dog on a Stick in?
Hot Dog on a Stick operates in the Restaurants industry.
More in Cuisine of California
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