NYC’s staple hot dog outposts are facing tough times! After Papaya King got close to shutting its doors last year, it seems another popular hot dog spot is facing the same fate.
For over 100 years, Fulton Hot Dog King has been the go-to spot for quick, affordable bites Downtown Brooklyn.
Situated at the corner of Fulton Street and Elm Place since 1987, this classic hot dog joint has seen the neighborhood evolve, predating the arrival of New York University’s campus and Trader Joe’s.
However, a stark red sign declaring “LOST OUR LEASE” has cast uncertainty over the beloved establishment.
Danyal Shahzad, whose family owns the business, revealed to Brooklyn Magazine that a rent increase led to the closure of the hot dog counter, leaving its future hanging in the balance. Despite expressing the family’s willingness to continue the business, the landlord seemed uninterested in maintaining the longstanding relationship.
Is Fulton Hot Dog King’s fate sealed? Not quite.
Shahzad remains optimistic about reaching an agreement with the landlord. In case negotiations fall through, the hot dog haven plans to relocate around the corner to 25 Elm Place, near Livingston Street. The family already owns a deli at this new location, assuring patrons that the menu and prices will remain unchanged, though the space will be more compact.
The new location at 25 Elm Place, a short walk from the original spot, is still being set up.
In a display of unwavering resilience, the owners emphasize their commitment to the community, assuring patrons that the same original food quality they’ve cherished for decades will persist. Sharing their determination on Instagram, the owners express a sentiment familiar to the neighborhood’s spirit: “When they knock you down, get back up.”