It's the end of an era for hot dog aficionados in the East Bay as Caspers Hot Dogs, a staple in downtown Hayward since the 1940s, has announced the impending closure of its vintage diner. The iconic Caspers location on C Street will be serving its last frankfurter on July 13, ending a legacy that's spanned roughly 80 years. In a decision rooted in economic strategy, the company is consolidating its operations, which involves shutting down the longstanding eatery to focus on the remaining five Bay Area locations.

Co-owner and general manager Ron Dorian, whose grandparents, Ardam and Stephen Beklian, originally founded the chain, spoke to the deep connection the diner has with its community, saying, "We are deeply grateful to our loyal, multi-generational customers who have supported us over the decades", in a statement released on Tuesday as per NBC Bay Area. Dorian acknowledges the importance of the diner in local traditions, calling on patrons to visit the other Hayward location on Foothill Blvd to continue their hot dog journeys.

Confirming the earlier sale of the C Street building, Dorian highlighted that it's likely to remain a food service space, as reported by SFGATE. The reasons for the shutdown include not just the need for operational efficiency but also dwindling foot traffic in downtown Hayward. With its distinct architecture and neon signage, the closure of the beloved 951 C St. site is a hard yet necessary step for Caspers Hot Dogs.

Reflecting on the C Street locale's significance, Dorian stated, as per SFGATE, "Closing the 75-year-old Caspers Hot Dogs site had been on the minds of the owners for the last couple of years."