Rutt's Hut's deep-fried Ripper hot dog is expanding beyond its longtime Clifton location. The restaurant, which has served its snapped-casing signature since 1928, will operate a kiosk at Prudential Center in Newark during New Jersey Devils games this season. The arrangement is the first arena or stadium expansion in the restaurant's history.
According to NJ.com, the Devils announced the partnership as the NHL preseason began, with the kiosk located in Section 15. The timing coincides with the Devils' preseason matchup against the New York Rangers, while the regular season opens against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 1. Anthony Corona told the outlet that an arena Ripper will cost $8.49; the kiosk will also serve Rutt's Hut's yellow carrot and cabbage mustard.
The arena menu will cost more than the Clifton version. New Jersey Digest reported a $3.30 price for a single Ripper at the flagship, compared with $8.49 at Prudential Center. The Section 15 stand is also expected to offer chili-topped Rippers for $9.99, crispy onion rings and the restaurant's signature relish.
The Same Dog, Just Under Arena Lights
Rutt's Hut isn't cutting corners for the arena crowd. The stand uses a custom beef-and-pork frankfurter with natural casings made specifically for deep-frying by Thumann's, a Carlstadt meat processor, according to Garden State Circle's breakdown of the hot dog's construction. That casing is the whole point of the operation: deep-frying causes it to split and tear open, which is how the Ripper earned its name in the first place, according to NJ.com.
Getting to Prudential Center
The arena's location is part of a larger Newark redevelopment story. According to the City of Newark, Prudential Center was built as part of broader efforts to restore the city's economy and attract development, alongside the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. For fans traveling without a car, NJ TRANSIT says Newark Penn Station is a two-block, roughly five-minute walk from Prudential Center. The Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line and Raritan Valley Line serve the station directly, and many riders can make the trip on one train without a transfer, according to NJ TRANSIT.
At the original Clifton location, Rutt's Hut serves its signature hot dogs. NJ.com's ranking of the state's hot dogs placed Rutt's Hut at No. 2 in New Jersey for 2026, reinforcing why a stadium concessionaire would want in on the brand at all.
A separate Meadowlands comparison
The Newark opening follows a dispute over a similarly styled hot dog stand at MetLife Stadium. During the FIFA World Cup in June, the stadium introduced Garden State Rippers, which Rutt's Hut said was not authorized, according to New Jersey Digest. The outlet reported that the stand remained at MetLife into the 2026-2027 NFL season.
The Devils arrangement is a direct partnership with the arena's food program. Prudential Center and the Devils launched Eastback Kitchen with concessionaire Levy in September 2024 to feature New Jersey culinary partners, according to a statement from Prudential Center. The name refers to Mulberry Street's historical name, East Back Street.
A Family Business With National Recognition
Rutt's Hut has stayed remarkably stable since opening in 1928. The business was sold in late 1974 to George Petropoulakis, Louis Chrisafinis, Nicholas Karagiorgis, and George Sakellaris, and their families still own and operate it today, according to Wikipedia. The original site along the Passaic River remains split between a quick-serve counter and a sit-down tavern.
Its signature yellow condiment will be served alongside chili at the new Prudential Center stand.
The Newark kiosk gives Devils fans a way to try Rutt's Hut's signature hot dog during a game without traveling to Clifton. The first opportunity will come during the preseason, with the regular-season opener against the Flyers scheduled for October 1.
