As Buffalo prepares to usher in its colder months, craving for homemade barbeque slowly diminish as Buffalonians look for comfort in microwaveable soups and stews. But for those who would love to immerse themselves in the smoke of the barbeque pit all year long, Ted's Hot Dogs can provide a year-round luxury.
Ted's Hot Dogs, home of the "world's famous charcoal broiled hot dogs," is one of Buffalo's oldest family owned fast food restaurants. Since 1927, Ted's, has been known around Western New York as a place to enjoy a family atmosphere with fast, quality service.
The concept of Ted's originated from the mind of a Greek immigrant named Theodore Spiro Liaros, who came to Buffalo in hopes of living the American Dream. Ted's sold hot dogs on the West Side of Buffalo via horse and buggy, to men working on the construction of the Peace Bridge. Later that year, Theodore purchased his first shack and Ted's Hot Dogs was born.
To keep in the theme of "Buffalo's Best," Ted's uses only Sahlen's hot dogs, manufactured right in the heart of downtown Buffalo.
Today, Ted's has turned that little old shack into a miniature franchise with eight chains of restaurants in WNY and one in Tempe, Arizona.
According to Ted's Hot Dogs head of advertising Gary Miller, the key to their advertising is to attract people of all ages.
"Ted's is very unique in that it targets all age groups," he said. "Senior citizens, teenagers, families, everyone likes Ted's."
It's true. On any given day, both the young crowd and the older crowds congregating at Ted's.
Ted's has also been recognized for their distinguished "Ted's famous hot sauce." The ingredients for the sauce have been passed down for generations, but the secret ingredients have never been disclosed.
Well in addition to their hot dogs, Ted's offers a variety of other charcoal broiled favorites such as their chicken breast and Italian sausage sandwiches, as well as their famous 1/3-pound burgers.
To accompany your entr?(c)e, Ted's has a generous selection of homemade side orders also made with local ingredients. These sides include Ted's French fries and onion rings, potato salad and soups. Feel free to wash it all down with either a milkshake made with real ice cream or mixed with Aunt Rosie's Loganberry, another local favorite.
Don't be in such a hurt to pack up the grille; head to Ted's to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. There are two Ted's Hot Dog locations in proximity to the University at Buffalo - one is at 2351 Niagara Falls Blvd. in Amherst. The other is at 2312 Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda. There is also one conveniently located at the food courts in the Walden Galleria Mall.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
