Henry's Hot Dogs on 66, Cicero, Illinois

In 1946 Bill Henry was a shipping clerk for the Crane Company, a manufacturer of plumbing fixtures in Chicago. That summer he hauled a wooden trailer to the corner of Ogden and Austen in suburban Cicero, outfitted it with a kitchen, and started hawking kosher hot dogs on evenings after work. . By 1950 his hot dogs were so successful that Henry quit his job at Crane and expanded. He built a six-stool, red brick diner with two walk-up windows a half block up Ogden. When McDonald’s opened a red and white striped pavilion one a mile down Ogden from Henry’s Hot Dog, Bill Henry decided he wanted a building just like it. So, Bill overlaid the brick with blue and white ceramic tile stripes, mounted a sign of his own design--a giant hot dog with fries and an arrow pointing to the stand, and admonished passers-by to come in and enjoy his hot dogs and french fries in portions so large that “It’s a meal in itself.

Henry's Hot Dogs, a Chicago-land classic, was started in the 1950s by a man named Henry (his last name is not specified). He initially operated from a hot dog wagon on Austin just north of Ogden. Later, he moved to the current location on Ogden Avenue in Cicero, a spot that gained popularity as part of Route 66. The stand is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and fries, with the fries often served alongside the dog, and its iconic, large, hot dog and fries sign. 

  Here's a more detailed look at the history:   

• Early Days: 

  According to legend, Henry started with a hot dog wagon on Austin just north of Ogden. 

• Route 66 Connection:

• When Route 66 became famous, Henry moved his stand to its current location on Ogden Avenue in Cicero.

• The Sign: The large, distinctive sign, featuring a hot dog and fries, was added to the stand after Henry saw the McDonald's pavilion down the street. He wanted a similar eye-catching structure and created the iconic sign.

• Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: Henry's is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, which typically include a poppyseed bun, chopped onion, pickle spear, tomato, sport peppers, celery salt, green relish, and mustard.

• A Local Landmark: Henry's has become a well-loved landmark for locals and those traveling Route 66.