Lum’s Hot Dogs – An American Tradition
Lum's Hot Dogs

Lum’s Hot Dogs

Lum’s Hot Dogs fast food chain became known for its delicious food, friendly service, and its quirky slogan, “Beer Makes ‘Em Taste Good!”

In the early 1900s, a new type of hot dog became popular in the United States: the all-beef hot dog. These hot dogs were made with only beef, as opposed to the pork-beef mix that was common at the time. Many Americans found all-beef hot dogs to be tastier and more flavorful than the traditional pork-beef hot dogs.

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Lum's Hot Dogs
All Beef

Lum’s hot dogs were some of the first all-beef hot dogs on the market. Luminas Deys, the owner, was born in Lithuania and emigrated to the United States in the late 1800s. He started the business as a small hot dog cart in New Jersey, and the business quickly grew.

By the early 1900s, it was one of the most popular hot dog brands in the country. Lum’s all-beef hot dogs quickly became known for their unique, natural casing. This casing is made from the intestine of a cow and gives the hot dog a distinctive snap when you bite into it. The natural casing also allows the hot dog to hold in more flavor and juice than a traditional pork-beef hot dog.

Lum's Hot Dogs
Oh, The Fries!

Whether someone was in the mood for a classic all-beef hot dog or a hearty chili dog, Lum’s Hot Dogs had something for everyone. Plus, their signature fries are the perfect side to any meal.

Lum's Hot Dogs

The hot dog chain was an extremely popular fast food restaurant in the United States for many years. However, the company went out of business in 1999.

There are several possible explanations for why Lum’s hot dog chain went out of business. These reasons include: competition from other restaurant chains, changes in consumer tastes, and financial mismanagement.

Lum's Hot Dogs
Competition

Another reason was that the company could not compete with other fast food chains. Lum’s hot dogs were more expensive than other fast food options, and they did not offer the same variety of menu items. Additionally, Lum’s lost its customer base as Americans began to eat healthier. Fast food restaurants that offered healthier options such as salads and wraps, became more popular as people became more health-conscious.

However, it still remains, for over 60 years, Lum’s hot dog chain was a beloved part of the American landscape. It was not only a popular restaurant for lunch, it was also a favorite “go-to” spot for late-night snacks.

Lum's Hot Dogs
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Little known facts about this Famous Fast Food Chain
  1. Lum’s was famous for its hot dogs steamed in beer.
  1. At its peak in the early 1970’s there were over 400 Lum’s locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Europe.
  1. In 1969, the owners of Lum’s purchased Ceasar’s Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
  1. In 1971, Lum’s Food Operations was bought by Kentucky Fried Chicken.
  2. Lum’s Hot Dogs was highlighted in the movie “The Irishman”. Jimmy Hoffa (portrayed by Al Pacino) absolutely loved Lum’s!
Lum's Hot Dogs
Cherished Memories

While Lum’s Hot Dogs is no longer a staple among the fast food industry, many baby boomers are left with great memories of their favorite hangout. Here are some “forever” memories of this popular joint:

  1. The delicious hot dogs! Lum’s hot dogs were famous for being juicy and flavor-packed.
  1. The friendly service. The employees were always happy to see customers and ensure they had a great experience.
  1. The quirky slogan. “Lum’s Makes ‘Em Taste Good!” was catchy and helped make the chain famous.
  1. The affordable prices. Lum’s hotdogs were always a great value, making them a favorite for budget-minded people.
  1. The convenient locations. There was usually a Lums hotdog chain restaurant nearby, making it easy to get your fix.
Lum's Hot Dogs
Lum’s

Those of us who remember Lum’s Hot Dogs will forever miss this hot dog chain, but we’ll never forget the delicious food, friendly service, and quirky slogan that made it so special.

In addition to classic toppings like mustard and ketchup, Lum’s also had a variety of specialty toppings such as sauerkraut, chili, and cheese sauce.

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Another memorable feature of Lum’s was their signature buttered buns. The buns were lightly toasted and slathered with butter for a rich, decadent flavor. Many patrons would even order extra buns to enjoy on their own as a snack.

Despite the chain’s eventual decline, Lum’s remains a beloved part of American fast food history. Those who were fortunate enough to have experienced Lum’s hot dogs will always remember the unique flavors and friendly atmosphere that made it a special place. And for those who never got the chance to try it, Lum’s will forever be a cherished part of our nation’s culinary heritage.

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Lum’s in the Movies

Lum's in The Irishman

In Martin Scorsese’s 2019 crime epic The Irishman, one of the most memorable scenes involves Robert De Niro’s character, Frank Sheeran, picking up hot dogs for his friend Jimmy Hoffa (played by Al Pacino). The hot dog stand, located in South Philadelphia, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The scene in The Irishman is a nod to the real-life Lum’s, which has been serving up hot dogs since the 1930s. The hot dogs are made with a special blend of beef and pork, and are served on a steamed bun with a variety of toppings. The hot dogs are so popular that they have become a staple of Philadelphia’s food culture.

The Irishman is not the only movie to feature Lum’s hot dogs. The stand has also been featured in films such as Rocky, Philadelphia, and Silver Linings Playbook.

12 responses to “Lum’s Hot Dogs – An American Tradition”

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  3. Darlene Duseberg Avatar
    Darlene Duseberg

    My mom’s maiden name was Lum and she was from LA area. It’d be cool if we were shirttail cousins!

  4. LAURA DAVIS Avatar
    LAURA DAVIS

    I MAMAGED A LUM’S ON SUTEL BLVD. IN JACKSONVILE, FLORIDA AFTER I MOVED HOME WITH MY PARENTS ,DAUGHTER , BROTHERS AND SISTER’S IN 1967 AFTER MY DEVORCE. THE NEIGHBORS AND FAMILY LOVED IT AND SO DID I.

  5. Harvey stormann Avatar
    Harvey stormann

    I worked a long in Bangor Maine 1975

  6. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    I lived in the Twin Cities of Bloomington normal Illinois. At that time normal was dry, Bloomington nutso. The Lum’s was just off of division Street. Was always a great gathering place for both schools, kind a neutral territory. Loved that place.

  7. Joy Avatar

    When I was pregnant, I did not crave the standard pickles, but I craved for a Lims Hotdog steamed in beer! Couldn’t get enough of them! Loved them before and after!!

  8. Karla Avatar
    Karla

    I loved Lums. Was the first restaurant I went to when I moved to Florida. Flew in later in the day and my relatives took me there. Loved their roast beef sandwiches and fries. Was in Margate, FL. So sad they closed. 😍

  9. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Loved Lums especially after a late night working
    Dog fries and a beer best ever !!

  10. Ken Avatar
    Ken

    We went to Lum’s in Seekonk Mass. alot in the 60’s & 70’s ! Sooo Good !!!

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  12. Eugene Smith Avatar
    Eugene Smith

    I remember lums !well !I was fortunate to have been involved with Lums and built several locations in Columbus and surrounding cities . Lots of great memories !

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