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
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
this page online
Location. 32° 22.64′ N, 86° 18.405′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Alabama’s Tri-Counties River Region. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Montgomery Advertiser (Alabama Power Company) (within shouting 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
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 6, 2017
2. Chris’ Hot Dogs restaurant
Entrance way with '100' embedded in the tile.
Regarding Chris’ Hot Dogs. Marker dedicated on the same date as opening date, but 100 years later.
Additional commentary.
1. Chris' Hot Dogs Sold to New Owner After 108 Years.
For generations the Katechis family has owned and operated Chris' Hot Dogs but now it has been sold with the new owners taking over on October 17th, 2025.
— Submitted October 11, 2025, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 6, 2017
3. Chris’ Hot Dogs restaurant & marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 921 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 6, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
