On December 31st, Chicago's beloved hot dog spot Duk's Red Hots is slated to close, making way for a revamped establishment under new management at 636 N. Ashland Ave. as reported by Chicago Sun-Times. With a history spanning almost 70 years, Duk's has established itself as an integral part of Chicago's culinary scene.
Mervyn Dukatte and Donald Marsalle initially launched Duk's Red Hots in 1954. Subsequently, the business flourished to include over a dozen locations throughout Chicago, of which the original West Town eatery is the last standing. Carol Chavez, who has managed Duk's for 20 years, will remain for the new endeavor as noted by Block Club Chicago.
The legacy of Duk's Red Hots extends far beyond its sought-after menu of hot dogs, and pizza puffs, among others. As one such Chicago Sun-Times article mentions, a regular named Jason Marcus Waak has been frequenting Duk's for over three decades. Additionally, in 2017, the community acknowledged Duk's excellence within the city's culinary landscape, awarding it a place in the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame.
The revelation of the upcoming end left several customers and ex-workers sharing emotional reminiscences of Duk's through social media.
