Caspers Hot Dogs (Closed)
Hayward, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Here’s the blue-and-white neon sign for Caspers Famous Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward. Opened in 1949, this little storefront served generations of customers from the same location for 75 years.

The familiar Caspers dog came on a steamed bun with mustard, relish, tomato, and raw onion. Made by the company’s own SPAR Sausage Company, the beef-and-pork frankfurter was known for the snap of its natural casing.

UPDATE: I have eaten at Caspers Hot dogs, but the one in Hayward. I've seen the one in Oakland, but a very long, long time ago. Caspers has wonderful dogs with that "Pop" when you bite into them. Dogs and buns are steamed, and with mustard and half moon onion slices are to die for! Many thanks to John from Carson City for update. 04-05

UPDATE: The C Street Caspers closed permanently on July 13, 2024, as downtown traffic patterns changed after the pandemic. The neon facade sign survives, and Caspers continues serving Hayward at its Foothill Boulevard location. 09-26

Kasper's Hot Dogs (Gone)
Oakland, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Here’s another Kasper’s Hot Dogs sign from Oakland, this time at the tiny flatiron stand on Telegraph Avenue. The blue-and-white neon hovering above the roofline made sure passing motorists knew where to pull over for a mustard-covered dog.

The unusual wedge-shaped building opened as part of the original Kasper’s chain and became a familiar Telegraph Avenue landmark. This location closed in 2003 and then sat vacant for years, collecting graffiti while its distinctive little building continued to hold the corner.

UPDATE: The Kasper’s sign has been removed, but the 490-square-foot building was restored and repurposed as Winky Dinky Dogs. The remaining Kasper’s locations on MacArthur Boulevard and in Concord closed in October 2025, bringing the original “K” chain to an end. 09-26

Taylor Brothers Hot Dogs
Watsonville, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Check out the running dog on the marquee at Taylor Brothers Hot Dogs in Watsonville. The little fellow appears to be making a quick getaway with lunch, adding some animated neon fun to this old-fashioned neighborhood stand.

The Taylor family opened the Watsonville location in 1954 and moved it to its present Union Street site in 1988. The menu remains refreshingly simple, with hot dogs served with mustard, relish, onions, and the family’s beanless chili sauce. Just do not ask for ketchup. Taylor Brothers has maintained a strict no-ketchup tradition for generations.

UPDATE: Taylor Brothers remains open under third-generation family ownership. The running-dog sign survives along with the simple menu and the no-ketchup rule. 09-26

Kasper's Hot Dogs (Gone)
Oakland, CA
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Here’s the fine roadside marquee for Kasper's Hot Dogs on MacArthur Boulevard. Check out the happy chef holding a mustard-covered hot dog for passing motorists. He certainly seems pleased with his work.

Armenian immigrant Kasper Koojoolian started the business around 1929. In 1939, part of the family split away to establish Caspers with a “C,” creating two separate East Bay hot dog chains and decades of spelling confusion.

UPDATE: The MacArthur Boulevard Kasper’s served its final hot dogs on October 15, 2025, ending the chain’s 95-year run. The smiling-chef sign was removed and retained by the family, while the building was acquired by Oakland Trybe for use as a community kitchen and neighborhood cafe. 09-26