Vienna Beef facts for kids
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| Industry | Food |
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| Founded | 1893 |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois |
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Key people
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Jack Bodman (CEO) |
| Products | Hot dogs, pickles, various |
| Revenue | $130 million |
Vienna Beef Inc. is a famous company that makes hot dogs, especially the ones used in the classic Chicago-style hot dog. They also make other tasty foods like Polish sausage and Italian beef. You can find their products at many hot dog stands and even in some supermarkets around Chicago.
The company's main office is in Chicago, Illinois, near the Chicago River. Vienna Beef has been in Chicago since 1893. This was the year of a big event called the Columbian Exposition. The factory where they make the food moved in 2016 to a different part of Chicago.
Contents
How Vienna Beef Started
From Vienna to Chicago
Vienna Beef was started by two friends, Emil Reichel and Sam Ladany. They came to Chicago from Vienna, Austria, in the 1890s. They began by selling hot dogs to many visitors at the 1893 Columbian Exposition.
Growing the Business
In 1894, Reichel and Ladany opened their first store in Chicago. By 1900, Vienna Beef started selling and delivering their products to other stores and restaurants. This helped their delicious hot dogs become very popular across the city.
The Famous Chicago-Style Hot Dog
During the Great Depression, many Vienna Beef sellers started a new idea. They advertised their hot dogs with "a salad on top." This is how the famous Chicago-style hot dog was born. It comes with lots of fresh toppings!
Spreading Across the Country
By 1950, Vienna Beef hot dogs were being sold in other states in the Midwest. In the 1960s, you could even find Vienna Beef products in supermarkets. This made it easier for families to enjoy their hot dogs at home.
A Key Person in History
Henry Davis (1904–1974) was a very important person for Vienna Beef. He helped make Vienna Beef the hot dog of Chicago. He was honored for helping to create Chicago's many independent hot dog stands. There is even a special collection about him at the Chicago Historical Society.
Company Earnings
In 2015, Vienna Beef earned about $130 million. This shows how successful the company has been over the years.
