The Red Hot Ranch at 3118 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

In 1952, Isabel & Al Deutch opened the Red Hot Ranch (1952-1985) on Devon Avenue between Albany Avenue, and Troy Street, in Chicago’s West Rogers Park neighborhood of the West Ridge community. Little did they know they were creating a hot dog icon that would be remembered for well over a half century.

Watercolor Painting by William Rubin. This one-of-a-kind watercolor was specifically painted for my sister, Michele, by Rubin, in the 1970s.

Isabel hired many neighborhood kids was like a second mom to all. Mailmen started and ended their routes there, getting a cup of coffee in the morning and a hot dog in the afternoon.

Al was a chemical engineer who gladly worked the stand during the late shift often going past midnight wrapping those Vienna hot dogs and fries together. It was the hangout best remembered for its vitality as a happening little shack and the center of the neighborhood activity for many years.

The Ranch, as it was known, is gone now but will always be a part of the north side culture. Vienna Beef inducted the Red Hot Ranch on September 24, 2010.

High Resolution prints available in sizes up to 60" x 40" on 3 different quality papers or printed on Canvas. Also available on wrapped Canvas which needs no frame. See all choices.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.