Brats Brothers Expands Hot Dog Business

Brats Brothers hot dogs and sausages are so tasty that many people claim they are selling the best franks in Los Angeles.

In fact business has been so brisk that Brats Brothers has moved across Ventura Boulevard to a new, and much larger location at 13355 Ventura Blvd.

"The old place across the street had room for just 15 people," said Terry Cooney working behind the counter bar, and taking customer orders.

"This place seats 80 people, and we've now got a bar so that's definitely helping business," added Cooney.

At lunch time in mid week, there were about 20 to 30 people dining on the wide variety of hot dogs that are on the menu.

The names of these franks vary from,'Sante Fe Fire' (beef, pork, jalapenos and habaneros) to 'Outback Roo' (smoked kangaroo) and let's not forget ' Swamp Thing (smoked Alligator).

There are lots of traditional hot dogs from Germany and Austria that reflect the ethnic background of the couple that opened Brats Brothers last year.

Did we say "hot dogs?"

"Don't call these hot dogs," said Pia Radar, co-owner,  who talked to us earlier this year at the previous location. Pia and husband Roland, immigrants from Germany, price their "sausages" at $5.50 to $7.50.

" Adding the bar and beer is really helping the business to grow," said Cooney, pouring German beers for three men sitting on stools.

So at a time when many businesses are struggling to survive, the sausage business in booming in Sherman Oaks.

"No question about it, the beer is an excellent compliment to the sausages we are serving, they go together perfectly," said Roland Radar.

"I've just discovered this place, and since then I've come here for 30 straight days, said Renee Hardaway, sitting at the bar. "Today I had the Black Forest, and a side order of chili."

"These are the best hot dogs in L.A.," added Hardaway.