Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Chris’ Hot Dogs

Established In 1917

Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 6, 2017

1. Chris’ Hot Dogs Marker

Inscription. Greek immigrant Christopher Anastasios Katechis opened Chris’ Hot Dogs on May 1, 1917, at 138 Dexter Avenue. Until the 1960’s, Chris offered curb service for its hot dogs, leading to long lines of cars cued for service. The hot dogs featured Chris’ “secret” chili sauce, known by only a few family members and shipped all over the world.

Chris’ served millions of customers during its first 10 decades, ranging from local regulars and Alabama governors to four American presidents. President Franklin D. Roosevelt often ordered boxes of hot dogs when his train traveled through Montgomery. Harry Truman, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush ate at Chris’ while visiting.

Other customers ranged from George C. Wallace to civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Country singer Hank Williams was a regular. Elvis Presley ordered Chris’ hot dogs before a Garrett Coliseum concert.

The founder’s son Theo Katechis and grandson Costas “Gus” Katechis celebrated a century of serving the city its favorite hot dogs in 2017.

Erected 2017 by The Alabama Tourism Department.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Events

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. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman, the Former U.S. Presidents: #41 George H.W. Bush, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #43 George W. Bush series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1917.

Location. 32° 22.64′ N, 86° 18.405′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is on Dexter Avenue east of South Perry Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 138 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery AL 36104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Capital City Guards (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. J. Marion Sims (about 300 feet away); Office of Dr. Luther Leonidas Hill / Office Site of Dr. J. Marion Sims (about 300 feet away); Confederate States of America (CSA) Post Office Department (about 400 feet away); Bill Traylor (about 400 feet away); Montgomery County Circuit Court / Sit-Ins and Marches at the Montgomery County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); A County Older Than the State (about 500 feet away); Lower Dexter Park (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montgomery.

Regarding Chris’ Hot Dogs.

Chris’ Hot Dogs restaurant image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 6, 2017

2. Chris’ Hot Dogs restaurant

Entrance way with '100' embedded in the tile.

Marker dedicated on the same date as opening date, but 100 years later.

Chris’ Hot Dogs restaurant & marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 6, 2017

3. Chris’ Hot Dogs restaurant & marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.