Iconic hot dog joint opening 1st restaurant in this metro Phoenix city

Ted's Hot Dogs offers charcoal-grilled hot dogs and sausages, burgers and sandwiches, homemade onion rings, chili cheese fries and milkshakes made with real ice cream. (Provided by Evolve PR via Reuters Connect)

By USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

March 6, 2026

Longtime Valley staple Ted’s Hot Dogs is preparing to open its first Arizona location outside of Tempe.

The restaurant was founded in 1927 in Buffalo, New York. But it has been open in Tempe for over 40 years, making it a crucial part of Valley restaurant history.

After 45 years in Tempe, Ted’s Hot Dogs is opening its second Arizona location in Chandler this April. And, according to owner Evan Ortolani, whose family brought the brand to Tempe four decades ago, the expansion plans do not stop there.

MORE: ‘First-of-its-kind, gaming hotel’ making world debut in Phoenix

“Expanding our offerings into the East Valley to serve a broader base is part of our thoughtful and intentional next step for our family and our brand,” Ortolani said in a news release. “We were deliberate about growing in a way that preserves what makes Ted’s special, while allowing us to welcome larger groups of guests, deepen our connection to the community and plan responsibly for the future.”

The Chandler location will feature indoor and outdoor seating with park-style benches for families, plus a drive through.

What makes Ted’s Hot Dogs special?

Ted’s Hot Dogs is a nearly 100-year-old New York icon, originally opened by Greek immigrant Theodore Spiro Liaros after arriving in the United States in 1913. Ted’s legend says he did not have any money and spoke little English, yet he established what would be a classic brand.

The Tempe and upcoming Chandler restaurants are the only Ted’s Hot Dogs locations in the U.S. outside of New York.

Ted’s offers charcoal-grilled hot dogs and sausages, burgers and sandwiches, homemade onion rings, chili cheese fries and milkshakes made with real ice cream.