Historic, Unique Hot Dog Stand To Stay Open Under New Ownership

PORTLAND, CT — A hot dog stand with a lengthy history and a big following is nearing the end of an era. Top Dog in Portland, famous for its unique hot-dog-shaped trailer hitched to a taxi, will open for the last time under its current ownership on Saturday.

The owners, Andrea and Alan Spaulding, who have been with the stand for 43 years, will be retiring.

Andrea Spaulding wrote on Facebook: "It has been (an) AMAZING 43 YRS. I've met so many wonderful people and have such AMAZING MEMORIES!!"

She encouraged people to come by and meet new owner Marissa P.

The post garnered 248 reactions and 60 comments.

Top Dog's owners announced they would be opening the stand for its final season in March and that they would be putting the business up for sale.

Roadside Architecture wrote about the iconic eatery's unique setup along with photos from 2003: "The Top Dog hot dog stand is a converted 16-foot-long Airstream trailer. In 1981, when Andrea Spaulding fantasized about opening a restaurant, her husband bought this trailer and transformed it for her. Al also restored the 1972 Checker Cab which sits next to the trailer and tows it to state fairs and such. Although the giant weenie is topped with relish and onions, Andrea is famous for her two types of meat toppings."

The stand offers a wide range of hot dogs, including the kraut dog with their own slow-cooked sauerkraut, an Orleans dog with hot and sweet Southern relish, a bacon cheese dog, a chili cheese dog, and a Cajun dog featuring Orleans relish, chili, and pepper jack cheese.

Top Dog receives 4.4 stars on Facebook reviews and 4.8 stars on Google reviews.