David Berg & Company, Chicago, Illinois. (1860-1992)

David Berg & Company had developed a following of customers fond of their signature, kosher-style hot dogs beginning in 1860. David Berg hot dogs were sold at the 1860 Republican National Convention held in Chicago. This Convention is where Abraham Lincoln was nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. Since Lincoln, following tradition, did not attend the Convention, he would not have eaten a David Berg hot dog.

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I'm guessing (or joking) that the concessions at the Republican National Convention did not have ketchup, and that's where the ritual of "No Ketchup on Chicago Hot Dogs" originated.

David Berg was a pioneer who introduced the "hot dog" at a professional baseball stadium. That happened in 1901; it was the Chicago White Stocking's first season as a major league team and their second season in Chicago playing ball at South Side Park, located at 38th Place and South Princeton Avenue, in Chicago.

The Chicago White Stockings first played ball at South Side Park.

When Vienna Beef set up shop in 1893, one of the few great sausage companies around was David Berg & Company. 

In 1992, almost a hundred years later, David Berg joined the Vienna Beef Products family. 

Vienna Beef carried on David Berg's taste and tradition by honoring their unique spice blend. Vienna Beef bought David Berg & Company and sells them online.

• In 1978, David Berg made a six-foot, 681-pound premium beef hot dog in a 100-pound poppy seed bun covered with two gallons of mustard. 
• The average hot dog is consumed in 6 bites. 
• At one point in modern times, more hot dogs were sold at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport than at any other location on the planet. 

VISIT OUR DAVID BERG SOUVINER SHOP

INDEX TO MY ILLINOIS AND CHICAGO FOOD & RESTAURANT ARTICLES.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.