Chicago’s favorite North Side hot dog spot, Hot Doug’s, will be closing permanently in October.

Loyal fans are still reeling as the shocking news travelled fast today. Hot Doug is going on a permanent vacation starting October 4th.

The news was posted on his website this morning. Then reported as breaking news online at the Chicago Tribune and Crain’s. The unique out of the way hot dog stop with a cult following closing its doors on the North Side after more than a decade in business.

“I’ve done everything I wanted to do here,” owner Doug Sohn said. “It’s time to do something else.”

He doesn’t know what that is yet, but at 51-years-old, the sole proprietor and face of the Sausage Superstore wants to leave on a high note. His years of playing 70s one hit wonders and pledging his allegiance to the one of a kind dog are over for him.

And over for all of us.

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