Palatine's Hot Dog Richie’s to be Inducted into Vienna Beef Hall of Fame

Local favorite, Palatine’s Hot Dog Richie’s (HDR) has been serving up American fare - including its signature hot dogs - since 1972. The business will soon be inducted into the exclusive Vienne Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame.

On Tuesday, April 22, Vienna Beef Senior Vice President Bob Schwartz will be on hand at the iconic, local fast-food restaurant to present owner, Jason Marzullo, with the accolade, which acknowledges a more than 40-year relationship.

“Jason, who took over Hot Dog Richie’s in 1999, has an extreme passion for his business and initiated a tremendous seating and kitchen expansion over the last few years to accommodate continued growth,” Schwartz said.

Among the Vienna products cooked-up to order at HDR are Vienna beef, hot dogs, corned beef, polish sausage and pastrami. Other customer favorites include HDR thin crust pizza (voted best sausage pizza in a recent Palatine Jaycees pizza contest), hamburgers, gyros, chicken pitas and more, to accommodate all tastes.

Marzullo also has made it a goal to give back to the community, and has been involved with fundraisers for Palatine resident, Rosie Colucci, who has suffered from an inoperable brain tumor, and Palatine/Inverness Crime Stoppers. Other areas of support include Palatine Celtic Soccer and the Palatine Amateur Football Association (PAFA).

“Vienna Beef proudly recognizes Jason Marzullo and the staff at Hot Dog Richie’s for exceptional quality, personality and hospitality that make them an ideal candidate for our recognition program,” Schwartz said. “We are proud to work with them and excited to recognize their success.”

To celebrate the accolade, Hot Dog Richie’s will be selling hot dogs for $1 the entire day that the honor is presented.

And just four days later, Marzullo will again be hosting A Fundraiser for Rosie to help raise funds for the 9-year-old, her mother and sister, who continue to deal with mounting medical bills due to her illness.

So come on out on Tuesday, April 22 at 11 a.m. and witness Hot Dog Richie’s induction into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame and enjoy a retro-priced hot dog for just a $1, then come back on Saturday, April 26 or Sunday, April 27 between 11 a.m. and 8p.m. for Rosie’s fundraiser.

Marzullo will be donating 20% of the proceeds for the entire weekend to Rosie’s family to help them in their time of need.

About Hot Dog Richie’s: Hot Dog Richie’s was established at the corner of Northwest Highway and Colfax in Palatine in 1972 by Rich Smith, as a northwest suburban food oasis. Jason Marzullo took over the business in 1999, and is the fourth owner of the restaurant in more than 40 years. The initial goals of the business have remained the same with Marzullo; providing quality food at affordable prices and continuing the tradition of being involved and giving back to the Palatine community.