The most popular hot dogs in Hollywood for more than seven decades has been Pink's, and its long lines are a testament to that.
"We sell about 2,000 dogs a day at Pink's, so that tells you how much people love hot dogs," said Richard Pink, co-owner of Pink's Hot Dogs.
Carney's Express Limited, the eatery in the railroad cars on Sunset Boulevard, is another popular hot-dog business. They've been dishing out dogs for more than 35 years.
"We serve an all-beef, natural-casing, very high-end hot dog that actually snaps when you bite into it," said Bill Wolfe, a Carney's employee.
But the old-school joints will soon find themselves in the middle of a dog fight. A number of new weiner companies are looking to take a bite out of L.A.'s hot dog market.
Coney Dogs, a Detroit-style hot-dog place, is set to open this spring, and it's in a prime location - right across from the Whiskey A Go Go on Sunset Boulevard.
Papaya King from New York City is also set to open a West Coast location in Hollywood on May 18. Right now, Papaya King does business from a mobile food truck.
"Julia Child called Papaya King the best hot dog in New York City," said John Koloski, a Papaya King employee.
From Dodger Dogs to bacon-wrapped Farmer John hot dogs, there's even more competition. But L.A.'s classic sausage kings say they relish the challenge.
"I think there's over $100 million in hot dog sales in Los Angeles alone, so I don't blame people for wanting to have a piece this action," said Pink.
