VAN NUYS, CA — Cupid’s Hot Dogs, a San Fernando Valley institution since 1946, has reopened its Van Nuys restaurant at a brand new facility at the corner of Victory Avenue and Tyrone. The original Cupid’s Hot Dogs in Van Nuys opened at the exact same location in 1957, eventually closing 15 years ago.
The reopening of the beloved restaurant is a welcome return for patrons who fell in love with Cupid’s chili dogs back in the 50s, 60s and 70s, as well as for new customers who are yet to sample favorites like “The Chili Cheese,” “The Triangle” (with mustard, onions and relish) and “The Cupid” (mustard, onions and chili). Cupid’s Hot Dogs celebrated with an official grand opening in Van Nuys on September 15 and 16. As part of the celebration, diners were invited to share their favorite Cupid’s story or memory for a video being produced for the restaurant chain’s website. According to owner Morgan Walsh, “The grand opening went really well.
We had a lot of Van Nuys High alumni from the 50s and 60s, and people drove in from as far as Palmdale and Orange County just to come to the opening. Everyone was glad to see the hot dogs haven’t changed. Eating at the store seemed to bring back youthful memories for everyone, from evenings cruising Van Nuys Blvd, to their first dates.” Cupid’s was originally established in 1946 as Walsh’s Hot Dogs by Richard F. and Bernice Walsh. Shortly thereafter Richard changed the name to Cupid’s, which was Bernice’s nickname.
For nearly 40 years Richard F. and Bernice ran the North Hollywood, Van Nuys and Canoga Park locations. In the early 1980’s their son Richard E. took over and expanded it by adding the Simi Valley location and then began franchising throughout Southern California. 2009 brought on the third generation to continue the Cupid’s tradition. Cupid’s Hot Dogs is now run by sisters Kelly and Morgan Walsh, granddaughters of Richard F. and Bernice and daughters of Richard E. The sisters plan on keeping true to the family tradition of excellence in hot dogs and great customer service. Cupid’s Hot Dogs is located at 14308 Victory Blvd in Van Nuys. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. www.cupidshotdogsinc.com