Iconic Pink’s Hot Dogs Opens New Location at Los Angeles Zoo

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Zoo is set to enhance its visitor experience with the opening of a Pink’s Hot Dogs location near the new Cape Vulture Plaza on Friday, offering fans of the renowned eatery access to its famous hot dogs and other menu items.

The popular hot dog stand, a fixture in Los Angeles since 1939, will provide its staple items including the Pink’s Famous Chili Dog, Guadalajara Dog, and the Betty White Dog, named in honor of the late actress and longtime zoo supporter. This partnership is expected to attract the zoo’s more than 1.5 million annual visitors.

“The Los Angeles Zoo and Pink’s Hot Dogs are both deeply rooted in Los Angeles history and culture, and this partnership is one that I believe every Angeleno will enjoy,” said Denise Verret, CEO and zoo director of the Los Angeles Zoo, in a recent statement. “With this addition, we continue to offer a uniquely L.A. experience to our guests.”

Richard Pink, co-owner of Pink’s Hot Dogs, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “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.”

Pink’s Hot Dogs is known for its vibrant history, featuring a stand adorned with signed headshots of celebrity visitors at its original location on the corner of La Brea and Melrose. The establishment has become synonymous with Los Angeles culture and has created culinary connections to numerous celebrities over the years.

“Pink’s has been a supporter and partner of 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,” Richard Pink added.

This new venture comes as part of the zoo’s effort to enhance the dining options available to visitors, blending local culinary traditions with its mission of wildlife conservation and education.