The oldest hot dog chain the Bay Area, Caspers dates back to 1934. This downtown Hayward location on C Street has been in a vintage diner for decades. (Dino Vournas/Staff archives)
Folks are flocking to the Caspers on C Street in downtown Hayward not just to savor one of the chain’s classic hot dogs — after all, there are five other Caspers, including a location just across town — but to eat one at this landmark spot.
This is the oldest surviving restaurant in the chain, a Hopper-esque diner with a neon sign that’s been in operation since the founders built it in the 1940s.
This location is scheduled to shut down in less than two weeks. On July 13, the final franks will be made to order — mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices and a sprinkle of celery salt on top of a beef-pork dog — in front of customers, as they have been for 80 years.
Veronica Palomino fills orders at Casper’s Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The diner that company founders built in the 1940s will be closing on July 13 after an 80-year run. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
People line up outside Casper’s Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The diner that company founders built in the 1940s will be closing on July 13 after an 80-year run. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Terry Bauer takes orders at Casper’s Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The diner that company founders built in the 1940s will be closing on July 13 after an 80-year run and Bauer will work at their Foothill Boulevard location. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Patrons dine at Casper’s Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The diner that company founders built in the 1940s will be closing on July 13 after an 80-year run. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
A Casper Dog is served at Casper’s Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The diner that company founders built in the 1940s will be closing on July 13 after an 80-year run. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Terry Bauer receives well wishes from longtime customer Gary Bookout, of Hayward, right, at Casper’s Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The diner that company founders built in the 1940s will be closing on July 13 after an 80-year run and Bauer will work at their Foothill Boulevard location. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Veronica Palomino fills orders at Casper’s Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The diner that company founders built in the 1940s will be closing on July 13 after an 80-year run. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
Gary Bookout and his wife Carol, of Hayward, dine at Casper’s Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward, Calif., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The couple has been eating at Casper’s for over 20 years. “It’s very sad,” Carol Bookout said. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)
View of Casper’s Hot Dogs on Macdonald Avenue in Richmond, Calif., on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. (Ray Chavez/Staff)
The Caspers Famous Hot Dogs in Richmond sports a vintage counter with stools. (Ray Chavez/Staff archives)
In a statement last week, the family described the planned closure as an economic decision made to “strengthen the health and future sustainability of the company.” Their five other Caspers, which will remain in operation, are located in Pleasant Hill, Dublin, Richmond, on Oakland’s Telegraph Avenue and on Hayward’s Foothill Boulevard.
Hayward resident Gary Bookout, who has been eating at this location with his wife, Carol, for 20 years, called the closing “a tragedy.” They said they’ll miss the friendly nature of the place.
“We are deeply grateful to our loyal, multi-generational customers who have supported us over the decades,” said Ron Dorian, co-owner, general manager and grandson of founders Ardam and Stephen Beklian said in announcing the news. He encouraged patrons to head a mile away to the Foothill Caspers and make new generational memories there.
The Bookouts offered best wishes to server Terry Bauer, who is one of the employees transferring to the Foothill Boulevard location.
She, too, was sentimental about the closing but said she realizes that Dorian wants to scale back. “It’s sad, but I understand,” she said.
Co-owner and general manager Paul Rustigian, grandson of founders Rose and Paul Agajan, praised the “friendly service and exceptional dedication” of the C Street employees like Bauer, noting they are what made this location a favorite among Hayward residents.
With hot dog purists assured of East Bay-wide availability, what of local historical preservationists who love this art deco look?
Stay tuned. The family may have an announcement soon on that front.
Details: Open Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 951 C St., Hayward.
