From 1977 to 2004, Bruce Glickson served many hot dogs over a 27-year period in two locations in the Northwest suburb Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Bruce was very much ahead of his time and a bit of a trendsetter, by infusing foodservice catering on-site and utilizing hot dog carts into the mix. Originally, he worked out of a scant 700 square foot location; but eventually more than doubled that size in his second location. He also integrated several additional hot dog carts to his catering cache.
One of the true highlights of his quarter-century hot dog business was winning a ‘Best Hot Dog’ contest held at Sportsman’s Park in 1995. Among the judges for the event was a sports radio personality and former hot dog stand operator, Mike North, and former famous Chicago Blackhawk player, Jeremy Roenick. Coming in first ahead of a dozen or more other entries, including such long-time icons like Fluky’s and Superdawg was extremely rewarding for Bruce and for Vienna Beef.
Always active in the community, Bruce always participated in the Taste of Hoffman Estates and other catered community events. He was even named business person of the year in 2003 by the Chamber of Commerce. Fifteen years after closing, Bruce still participates in community events.
The Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame was created to honor hot dog operations that have achieved longevity and developed into neighborhood landmarks. Out of thousands of Vienna customers over the years, we have recognized just 132 nationwide since the award was inaugurated in 2006. We are extremely proud to welcome Hot Dog Place of Hoffman Estates as the 133rd recipient. We congratulate Bruce Glickson who built this iconic ‘hot dog place’ and continue to wish him well in future endeavors and as a member of the ‘HOGs’ (aka Happy Old Guys!).
