montgomery

Michelle and I, finally ventured forth into the world last Friday. It has been months since we visited Chris’ Hot Dogs. It was still as great as it has ever been. I ate too much naturally. 4 hot dogs all-the-way (mustard, sour kraut and special sauce) and an order of fries that are to die for, along with an ice-cold bottled Coca-Cola. The special sauce is a family secret known by only 3 people.

Chris’ was founded on May 1st, 1917 by a Greek immigrant “Christopher Anastasios Katchis”. It was said he learned English by reading the newspaper with help from friends. Located on Dexter Ave. halfway between the Court Square Fountain (center of town) and the state capitol.

Dexter Ave would see the first electric streetcar in America, “The lightning route”.
It would witness the calling of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr to the ministry.
The order to start the American Civil War was sent by telegram, from Dexter Ave.
Rosa Parks, would refuse to give up her bus seat there. Sparking the Civil Rights Era
The march from Selma to Montgomery by Rev Martin Luther King Jr., passed up Dexter in front of Chris’

Many notable and famous people have frequented Chris’ over the years.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (who would frequently ask for a box of the world-famous hot dogs as his train stopped in Montgomery’s Union Station), Harry Truman, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Presidents Bush 41 & 43, Jimmy Stewart, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Clark Gable, Tallulah Bankhead, countless sports stars and every Alabama Governor since 1917.

May 1st marked the 103 year anniversary of Chris Hot dogs. If you grew up in Montgomery, Alabama you knew of Chris’, and would return there for a hot dog or burger on your return visits.

When I was a child of about 10, my mother, father, and little brother would walk 9 blocks downtown to enjoy a hot dog or burger. It was an infrequent trip, as we had no vehicle and were pretty poor. We would sit in the booths and flip the pages on the little machines that each booth had to play the Jukebox. Dad would always give each of us a coin for the box, and we would pick out a couple of songs. I have been going there from time to time, for the last 58 years.

It was great seeing “E” again, that is what we know her as. Possibly the sweetest person you will ever meet that serves customers of Chris’. Every time she greets you, she has this big sweet welcoming smile and that southern” Hello darling, usual?” She remembers what you had the last time you were there. Even if it’s been months. Great spirit each time you see her. She has been working there, 42 years. Our favorite Chris’ person.
Images, are clickable.