Hot Dog on a Stick CEO Thode dies at age 64Hot Dog on a Stick CEO Thode dies at age 64

CARLSBAD Calif. Fredrica Thode, president and chief executive of the 100-unit-plus Hot Dog on a Stick quick-service chain, based here, died on Jan. 13 after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, company officials announced Friday. She was 64.

Dan Smith, formerly chief operating officer, has been appointed Thode’s successor as president. Smith joined the chain in 2000 as a franchise compliance manager, becoming director of operations in 2002 and COO in 2004.

 Thode, who worked for the 61-year-old hot dog chain for 27 years, was named president in 2001 and chief executive in 2005. She survived by her husband, Jimmie, two children and three grandchildren.