Caspers introduces chicken dogCaspers introduces chicken dog

Alan J. Liddle

LAFAYETTE Calif. Eight-unit Caspers Famous Hot Dogs said it has replaced its turkey dog with a new chicken product and beefed up its promotional efforts in advance of a 75th anniversary event in July during National Hot Dog Month.

The Lafayette, Calif.-based chain, which is owned in partnership by Asbek Inc. and Janrus Inc., recently offered customers a free medium soft drink with the purchase of the new chicken hot dog, which has less fat than the chain’s signature beef-and-pork sausage.

Caspers, which brags about the distinctive “snap” and burst of flavors experienced by patrons when they bite into the natural casings of its hot dogs, also rolled out a commemorative logo noting its 75 years of operation in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Taste is the main reason we developed the chicken hot dog,” said Paul Rustigian, co-general manager of the chain, and grandson of the co-founder. “The chicken dog recipe creates a more flavorful, succulent hot dog than the turkey dog [it replaces], and allows for our proprietary savory spice recipe to come through much better.”

Rustigian said the chicken dog accounts for about 3 percent of sales, compared with the original mixed-meat product that generates 84 percent of sales.

The owners of Caspers also own the SPAR Sausage Co. of San Leandro, Calif., which supplies some retailers as well as the restaurant chain. Caspers offers a streamlined menu of hot dogs, tamales, chili, salad, chips, cookies, turnovers, milk shakes and soft drinks. Its hot dogs are priced from $2.79 for the original Casper Dog to $2.99 for the chicken dog to $4.19 for a chili-cheese dog.

All hot dogs are made with freshly cut tomatoes and onions, mustard and relish and served in a steamed bun. Additional cheddar cheese, tomatoes, pickles or jalapenos, sauerkraut and chili costs from 10 cents to 80 cents, depending on the add-on. The chain’s made-to-order shakes come in three sizes and range in price from $1.99 to $3.49.

Contact Alan J. Liddle at [email protected].