Mel's Hot Dogs - Tampa Florida Overview

Since 1973 Mel's Hot Dogs has been a Tampa landmark famous for it's Chicago style natural casing weiners and fun atmosphere. Founder Mel Lohn, a traveling musician from Chicago landed in Tampa in the late sixties and several years later opened Mel's Red Hot Ranch later to become the legendary hot dog stand we know today. Mel's Hot Dogs occupies the last remaining structure from the WWII army air base Henderson Air Field. Originally the facility had a seating capacity for just 25 but over the years has expanded to seat 100. Patrons have traveled from all parts to experience the tasty hot dogs which are served on steamed poppy seed buns with over a thousand different combinations of toppings. But they don't just come for the food, they come for the fun filled atmosphere that only a place like Mel's can offer. Mel is famous for his one liners and quick witted comments while his wife Virginia is known for her kind heart and friendly smile. Together they shaped Mel's Hot Dogs into the award winning and time honored establishment that it is today. To this day Mel can be found behind the counter cracking jokes and amusing patrons with his sarcastic humor that keeps them coming back.

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