Hayward: After 80 years, Caspers Hot Dogs is closing its 1940s vintage diner

The East Bay’s 90-year-old, family-owned hot dog chain, Caspers, is closing its neon-lit downtown Hayward diner that company founders built in the 1940s.

Customers have a few weeks to make a few more nostalgic trips to C Street for the classic hot dogs that snap when you bite into them. The final franks will be made to order — mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices and a sprinkle of celery salt on top of a beef-pork dog — in front of customers, as they have been for decades, on July 13.

The family described the planned shutdown as an economic decision made to “strengthen the health and future sustainability of the company.” The five other Caspers, which will remain in operation, are located in Pleasant Hill, Dublin, Richmond, Oakland-Telegraph and Hayward-Foothill.

“We are deeply grateful to our loyal, multi-generational customers who have supported us over the decades,” said Ron Dorian, co-owner, general manager and grandson of founders Ardam and Stephen Beklian said in announcing the news.

“We appreciate the memories our customers have made in downtown Hayward and encourage them to visit our Caspers location just a mile up the road on Foothill Boulevard to continue their traditions and create new ones for generations to come.”

Co-owner and general manager Paul Rustigian, grandson of founders Rose and Paul Agajan, said in the announcement: “We also want to express our sincere appreciation to our employees who provided friendly service and exceptional dedication in making Caspers C Street a favorite among local Hayward residents.”

Details: Open Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 951 C St., Hayward.

This is a developing story. Come back for updates.