Hot Doug's To Close In October Which Means You Now Have 5 Months To Eat As Many Hot Dogs And Sausages As Humanly Possible

AVONDALE — Chicago’s beloved hot dog spot, Hot Doug‘s, is closing permanently on Oct. 3, owner Doug Sohn confirmed Tuesday. After posting a message about a “permanent vacation” on the Hot Doug’s website, Sohn told DNAinfo Chicago, “It’s time to do something else” and that the restaurant would close “for good” in October. “For me it’s time,” Sohn said. “There really is no overwhelming reason other than it’s time to go do something else. … The plan is not to own a restaurant anymore.” Sohn is known for always being behind the counter at the spot at 3324 N. California Ave., serving up 700 to 800 sausages per day. The place is so popular, many fans have gotten a Hot Doug’s tattoo in order to get free hot dogs for life. (Click through the slideshow for some Hot Doug’s fan tats.)

In a tweet Tuesday, Hot Doug’s said “we thank you for your support & suggest you don’t get a Hot Doug’s tattoo any time soon.” Sohn said he as “no idea” what he will do next. “I haven’t thought the plan completely through … maybe interpretive dance,” he said with a laugh. “I wonder if I’m too old for that. I don’t totally know yet.” Though he said he would “never rule out” a possible Hot Doug’s return, he said people should get their dogs while they can. “I’m calling it,”  Sohn said. “I’m not making the hot dogs $11 yet, so don’t worry.” Sohn said he has thought about his fans freaking out over the news.

When it rains it pours in Hot Dog land. First Portillo’s selling to a private investor and now Hot Doug’s stepping out of the Hot Dog game. Sad day for fat people all across Chicago (basically everyone in Chicago). The good news is Doug Sohn didn’t just shut the doors one day and walk away, we now have a grieving period, a time to eat every single hot dog and brat and sausage on the menu. Seriously, if you’ve never been you need to go and if you’ve been far too many times like I have you need to go many many more times before official closing, especially on Friday and Saturday for Duck fat fries. Hopefully someone fills Hot Doug’s shoes because before you know it we’re going to be some shitty city that has street hot dogs and gross frozen sausages like New York.