Pink’s Hot Dogs, arguably one of the most iconic culinary institutions in Los Angeles, is set to open a new location at L.A.’s only zoo. The partnership between the Los Angeles Zoo and Pink’s will bring the world-famous hot dogs to the more than 1.5 million annual zoo visitors beginning Friday, April 11.
“The Los Angeles Zoo and Pink’s Hot Dogs are both deeply rooted in Los Angeles’s history and culture, and this partnership is one that I believe every Angeleno will enjoy,” said Denise Verret, CEO & zoo director, Los Angeles Zoo. “One of the greatest aspects of the Zoo is that we are uniquely L.A., and there is no better place for one of L.A.’s legendary eateries that has been a staple in our community for more than 85 years.”
Known for its long-enduring hot dog stand adorned with signed headshots of its famous visitors on the corner of LaBrea and Melrose in Hollywood, Pink’s Hot Dogs has been a Los Angeles favorite and landmark since 1939. The restaurant boasts a wide variety of hot dogs and hamburgers named after celebrities who have patronized the legendary establishment, including famous Los Angeles Zoo supporter Betty White, who had a commemorative hot dog named for her in 2010. The Zoo’s partnership with Pink’s Hot Dogs deepens the uniquely L.A. experiences for everyone who visits the Zoo.
“Pink’s Hot Dogs does not open locations just anywhere. The L.A. Zoo is a treasured institution in the Los Angeles community, and the marriage of our two brands is a perfect fit,” said Richard Pink, co-owner, Pink’s Hot Dogs. “Pink’s has been a supporter and partner to the Zoo for many years, and now we’ll be able to offer everyone who visits the Zoo items from our one-of-a-kind menu that’s made us famous.”
Opening adjacent to the Zoo’s new Cape Vulture Plaza, Pink’s new Zoo location will offer its staple menu items, including local favorites like Pink’s Famous Chili Dog, the Guadalajara Dog, and of course, the Betty White Dog. The new location will be open to Zoo visitors starting Friday, April 11, 2025.
About the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is dedicated to providing exemplary animal care and wellbeing. As a trusted leader in local and global conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo is saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by delivering diverse learning opportunities and creating unforgettable experiences. The lush 133-acre campus and its passionate and dedicated team welcomes all to be inspired by the Zoo’s vision to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together. The Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 2 to 12. For information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.
About Pink’s Hot Dogs, Inc
A Hollywood landmark since 1939, this hot dog stand serves over 1200 hot dogs and 200 hamburgers a day. Pink’s was started in 1939 by Richard’s and Beverly’s parents, Paul and Betty Pink, with a pushcart they purchased for $50, which money they borrowed from Betty’s mother. The land on which the pushcart stood was leased by Paul and Betty for $15 per month. Hot dogs at that time were 10 cents and cokes were a nickel. Pinks attributes its longevity and its success to the tastiness of its hot dogs, which snap when you bite into them, its never ending hot dog menu combinations, its loyal long-term staff of over 24, many of whom have been with Pink’s for over ten years, its unique 1946 open kitchen curb side stand and relaxed dining room and patio seating, its Hollywood location and atmosphere, its appearances nationwide in movies and TV and its commitment to the community through its chili dogs for charity program. Pink’s is often referred to as “A Hollywood Legend Since 1939” but the Pink family likes to say “We are the little hot dog stand that could.” Visit www.pinkshollywood.com.
Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo.
