Lustig Hot Dogs Coming to Bethlehem

John Lustig, Jr.

Remember Lustig hot dogs? They were the wieners used at Potts, Willie Joe's, Pete's, Richards and other revered hot dog stands. You could buy them at Laneco foodliner, too. They were the staple of John Lustig's Meats, which operated out of Quakertown between 1966 and 2000. Now John Lustig, Jr. has an innovative way for selling hot dogs in Bethlehem. Instead of off the grill or out of a frier, his dogs will be encased on site, cooked in a smokehouse for two hours, and go directly from there onto your bun. At their May 27, 2015 meeting, Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board unanimously approved his application for a special exception to operate a hot dog business at 835 N. New Street. Their only complaint was that he failed to provide a few samples of his fare.

His eatery will be open six days a week, between 11 AM and 6 PM. It will be strictly take out, and customers standing in line can watch as their hot dogs, made of beef, pork and seasonings, are encased and smoked. It will be strictly take out. He will also sell chips, milk and bottled soda. Because his dogs are bigger than the normal fare, he will charge $2.50.

Lustig explained that 99% of hot dogs are actually cooked twice, first at the meat processor and again at the eatery that serves it up. His wieners will be fresh.

As a former employee of the US Department Agriculture, Lustig became what he calls a "clean freak." So much so that the employee handling cash will be kept away from the workers making the dogs.

The smokehouse will be vented outside. "There will be a smell, not a strong smell," he admitted.Neighbor Frank Baran complained that he is "not really fond of the smell of smoked meat," and also worried about the litter. Jerry Bozio, who owns the property next to Lustig, complained about the increased traffic this would cause. Lustig, who is under no obligation to provide off street sparking, suggested he would be willing to convert a portion of the lawn into a parking lot.

While zoners deliberated, Lustig reached out and spoke to Baran and Bozio about their concerns.

After granting him approval, Chair Gus Loupos placed an order.