Cupid

Cupid's Hot Dogs was established in 1946 by Richard F. and L. Berniece Walsh. Originally, from Springfield, Mass., Mr. Walsh decided to make the relocation to Los Angeles where he met Berniece at the Fogcutter Restaurant. At that time Berniece worked for the Hughes Corporation in Burbank, CA. Subsequently, one night at a restaurant in the San Fernando Valley, Mr. Walsh had a dream of a future business that would soon be known as "Cupid's Hot Dogs".

The Early Days of Cupid's Hot Dogs

The Original concept was derived from a friend who owned a stand called "Hugo's Hot Dogs' in Van Nuys, CA and was no longer able to participate in the business because of failing health. This store was located on Van Nuys Blvd. and still exist today under the name of "Happy Dogs". (No relation to Cupid's Hot Dogs).

The Original location somewhere in Los Angeles, was a small, approximately 9' by 6' building built by Mr. Walsh in 1945, and was originally called "Walsh's Hot Dogs & Tamales". It was located directly on the sidewalk in front of a building. Because of the failure to receive a water hookup, the store never opened.

The following year on June 17, 1946 the first Cupid's Hot Dogs was opened on Burbank and Lakershim in North Hollywood, CA. (11365 Burbank Blvd). Along with assistance from Mr. Walsh's parents, this apparent dream had become a reality. In those days Hot Dogs were sold for a mere $.15 and soft drinks at $.05. The Original Menu included the following items: Hot Dogs/Coke Cola/Pepsi Cola/Hires Root Beer/Nesbeth Orange and 7-Up. The North Hollywood location remained open until the mid 1960's, during which time DENNY's Corp. purchased the property and would not renew the lease.

In 1957, the Van Nuys store located at 14300 Victory Blvd., CA was opened to replace the North Hollywood location. After that in 1962 the Canoga Park store located at 20030 Vanowen St., CA was opened, and in 1965 the Northridge store located at 9039 Lindley Ave., CA.

During the years between 1965 & 1987 no further locations were opened until 1988 when the first "Indoor Seating" Store in Simi Valley was opened (2585-G Cochran St.). Also, during this period Co-Founder L. Berniece Walsh died while on her first overseas vacation in Europe. See died in an Austria hospital. And in 1983 my dad, Richard F. Walsh died, leaving behind 37 years of Cupid's memories.

In 1991 non-company stores were opened in the West San Fernando Valley (Chatsworth), and the (Tarzana) location in 1995. The Tarzana store was the first to introduce Hamburgers, Fries, and Gourmet Sausages. (These items are sold at selected locations)

As always, we will continue to maintain the high standards of quality and care that has kept Cupid's Hot Dogs a unique style of operation, as popular today as in their original days in North Hollywood, CA.

I personally would like to thank all of you that have supported our operation over the years, and hope that we can continue to provide you the best "Hot Dog" around.

Rick Walsh
Cupid's Hot Dogs
Simi Valley, CA