Caspers Hot Dogs, a cherished fixture in the Richmond, California community, has officially closed its doors following an impressive 80 years in operation. The well-known hot dog eatery ceased trading on May 8, revealing a deep sense of loss among both staff and loyal patrons.
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Founded in 1934 by Paul Agajan and Stephen Beklian, Caspers Hot Dogs earned a reputation for its Chicago-style offerings, particularly its signature “Caspers with Everything” — a hot dog served on a steamed bun, lavishly topped with tomatoes, onions, mustard, and relish. This beloved establishment had been a staple of the San Francisco Bay Area, with a legacy that lasted generations.
The closure was announced by manager Eric Strong, who expressed his sorrow at bidding goodbye to a place he has called home for the past two decades. “Business has been slow, and it’s just sad,” Strong remarked. “I don’t know why, it just has been.” His enduring fondness for the establishment and its customers was evident in his reflections, as he shared, “I got a lot of memories, good memories with my customers. They’re fun to make hot dogs for.”
In an interesting turn of events, the Richmond location has been sold to Cortland “Corky” Booze, a long-time customer and former member of the Richmond City Council. Booze, who has purchased the property, has plans to reopen it under a new name: Corky’s Famous Hot Dogs. He has committed to maintaining the classic menu that patrons have enjoyed at Caspers for decades. “The new owner is going to retain some [things],” Strong confirmed, indicating that while there may be some changes, many familiar elements will remain as a nod to the shop’s rich history.
Paul Rustigian, general manager of Caspers and the grandson of co-founder Paul Agajan, described the closure as “bittersweet.” He emphasised pride in what the business has achieved within the community over the years. “We did well in this community and feel proud about what we accomplished,” Rustigian said, reflecting on the legacy that the brand has built.
The Richmond location was the last surviving Caspers site that showcased the original layout and atmosphere that defined the brand. Its closure follows the shuttering of the Hayward location on C Street, which closed its doors in June 2022. Now, the remaining Caspers establishments can be found in Dublin, Hayward on Foothill Boulevard, Oakland, and Pleasant Hill, although each of these locations presents a different chapter in the Caspers story.
Local residents have expressed their sadness at the announcement, highlighting the role Caspers played as a community gathering space where friends and families would come together to enjoy a meal. “It’s part of our community’s history,” one long-time customer noted. “There’s nothing quite like a hot dog from Caspers.”
As Booze prepares to take on his new venture, he faces the challenge of retaining the essence of what made Caspers a beloved institution while also bringing his own vision to Corky’s Famous Hot Dogs. With a promise to uphold the original menu, there is hope amongst the community that the spirit of Caspers will live on in its new incarnation.
As Richmond bids farewell to a hallmark of local culture, the community reflects on the legacy of Caspers Hot Dogs—its impact stretching well beyond the simple act of dining. It represents not merely a beloved culinary choice but a gathering place steeped in memories, friendships, and community ties. The future, though uncertain, holds the potential for new beginnings as Corky’s Famous Hot Dogs takes its place in the heart of Richmond.