Iconic Hot Dog Eatery Expanding Into Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — An iconic hot dog restaurant is expanding into Wallingford, the Meriden Record-Journal first reported.

The Record-Journal reported the Planning and Zoning Commission recently approved plans for a new Frankies restaurant at the former Cumberland Farms site at 866 North Colony Rd.

Frankies, famous for its extra long hot dogs on a toasted bun, was founded in the 1937 by Frank Caiazzo. He was joined by his brother Paul as a partner in the business.

Paul Caiazzo came up with the idea for the extra-long hot dog and their supplier agreed to make it for them and their baker provided a special bun to go with it, according to the Frankies website.

“The foot-long hot dog was an instant hit,” reads a post on the website. “The super hot dog gave a spurt to their business. Gradually, as more help was needed, family members were employed.”

The brothers opened a second restaurant in 1941.

Frankies is now a franchise restaurant with seven current locations in Connecticut, including three restaurants in Waterbury. Frankies also has locations in Brookfield, Naugatuck, Plainville and West Haven.

The owners of the Wallingford location plan to use the existing building at 866 North Colony Rd., which is around 1,300-square feet.

Attorney Greg Piecuch, who represented owner Armand Castico, said there will not be a lot of in-house dining and it will be mostly takeout or short stay, according to minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. There will be 15 parking spaces.

Castico, who opened a Frankies in Bristol 35 years ago before moving it to Plainville, noted that the building is small, and he wanted to do a drive-thru but “it’s not possible,” according to the meeting minutes.

“The plan is for a downsized Frankie’s with a limited menu focused on take-out,” the meeting minutes state.

Castico will work at the Wallingford restaurant with his son.

For more information about Frankies, visit its website here and on Facebook here.