A beloved Florida eatery has changed hands after 50 years, but loyal customers can rest easy knowing that many things will remain the same. Mel’s Hot Dogs, a Tampa institution known for serving Chicago-style hot dogs, was sold in October 2023 after its longtime owner, Mel, decided to retire. While some changes are being introduced, the heart of the restaurant remains untouched.
For generations, Floridians have had their go-to restaurants—places where families gather to celebrate special moments or enjoy a good meal together. Some are upscale, while others are simple yet just as cherished.
Places like Parmesan Pete’s in Naples, Peach’s in South Florida, and, of course, Mel’s Hot Dogs in Tampa have built loyal followings. When Mel’s went up for sale in May 2023, many customers were concerned about its future. Fortunately, the new owner has kept the restaurant’s core elements intact while introducing a few modern touches.
Mel, the original owner, was a rock and roll musician from Chicago who found himself in Florida during a tour in the 1970s. Craving a Chicago-style hot dog and unable to find one, he decided to open his hot dog stand in Tampa in the summer of 1973. Over the next five decades, Mel’s became a staple in the community, attracting both locals and visitors with its classic menu and nostalgic atmosphere.
After running the business for nearly 50 years, Mel decided to sell the restaurant, listing it in the summer of 2023. By October, it had been purchased for $435,000 by Mark Szabo, a longtime customer who had been visiting Mel’s for years. Many patrons wondered if the restaurant would undergo major changes, but Szabo has made it clear that he wants to honour the eatery’s legacy.
Mel’s Hot Dogs has built a strong reputation over the years, earning over 3,000 Google reviews with an impressive 4.6-star rating. Customers continue to rave about the food and service, with some specifically addressing the transition. One reviewer, Chris, wrote, “Mel is no longer there, but nothing has changed. Props to the new owners for not attempting to fix what isn’t broken.
(It’s) still the same great dog and fries that we’ve been eating since the 1980s! And the same friendly workers… especially the woman who has been there for years and is always so positive and friendly!” Even Fox 13 has referred to Mel’s as “famous,” solidifying its status as a Tampa landmark.
Under Szabo’s ownership, many things have remained the same, including the restaurant’s vendors and original recipes. However, he has introduced a few new features to enhance the customer experience. Mel’s Hot Dogs will soon offer delivery through GrubHub, provide catering services, and have recently started serving ice cream. These additions are aimed at making the restaurant more accessible and appealing to a wider audience while maintaining its traditional charm.
For longtime fans of Mel’s Hot Dogs, the transition has been reassuring. The new owner understands what makes the restaurant special and is committed to preserving its legacy. With familiar flavours, friendly service, and a few modern updates, Mel’s continues to be a favourite destination for hot dog lovers in Tampa and beyond.
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Benjamin Ford is a dedicated local journalist passionate about reporting on community news, events, politics, crime, and finance. With a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering impactful stories, he provides in-depth analysis and timely updates on issues that matter to the local audience. Benjamin enjoys engaging with the community and staying informed on emerging trends when he’s not covering the latest developments.
