On January 14, 1985 the Potekin family opened its first Gold Coast Dogs. Irv, Thelma, Fred and Barry had just gone through a major financial reversal and were broke. Their combined net worth was 80 cents.

They wanted to open an upscale and high quality fast food restaurant like no other restaurant in Chicago. All the food would be prepared fresh daily with only top quality ingredients. The Potekin family also noticed that great food along with great service and a friendly attitude was the winning combination. Since this was hard to find in the food industry, the founders decided to treat their customers like they had never been treated before in a fast food restaurant. Quality and Service would become their motto.

Slowly but surely the word spread about the fast food restaurant that offered great service along with great food. The word is still spreading and to this day we have continued to provide great service along with great food.

Gold Coast Dogs has impressed food critics everywhere. Here is a sampling of what the media has to say about us:

·         Best Hot Dog and hamburger in Chicago, Chicago Sun Times

·         Three Stars: Chicago Tribune

·         Best Dog in Chicago: James Ward, Channel 7, WLS-TV Chicago

·         Outstanding: Chicago Magazine

·         Silver Palette Award: Three time winner

·         Gold Coast Dogs has been featured on local Channels 2, 5, 7, 9 and 12 along with the Today Show, ABCNews Nightline and many other TV programs.

Gold Coast Dogs has been the only hot dog company in the official City of Chicago festivals such as The Taste of Chicago, Celtic Fest, Blues Fest and Jazz Fest.