Little did they know they were creating a hot dog legend that would be remembered for over 70 years.
Isabel hired many neighborhood kids. She was like a second mom to all. Mailmen started and ended their routes there, grabbing a cup of coffee in the morning and a hot dog, burger, or other items for lunch. Those were the days of Vienna hot dogs in a natural casing, which I didn't like for some reason. Isabel would peal the casing off of the hot dog, then serve it to me.
Al was a chemical engineer who gladly worked the stand during the late shift, often going past midnight and 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.
Copyright © 2019 by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. All rights reserved.
"The Red Hot Ranch" watercolor by William Rubin. 1974 This one-of-a-kind painting was Rubin's creation for my sister. |
Al was a chemical engineer who gladly worked the stand during the late shift, often going past midnight and 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's seating consisted of no-back stools around three of the walls in the front, perhaps 20-24 spots. Special customers, three at a time, could sit out of the way in the back corner of the kitchen. Isabel, a kind soul, would give kids from Green School (K-6) a cup of soup on freezing days. The non-carbonated NEDLOG (Golden spelled backward) Grape and Orange brand drinks were special to the Ranch.
The Ranch is gone now but will always be a part of Chicago's north side and suburban cultures.
The Ranch is gone now but will always be a part of Chicago's north side and suburban cultures.
Vienna Beef inducted the Red Hot Ranch on September 24, 2010.
Copyright © 2019 by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. All rights reserved.