Walter’s to Commemorate 105 Years of Hot Dogs with Two-Day Celebration in Mamaroneck

This article was updated on Aug. 21 at 8:02 p.m.

Sound Shore staple Walter’s Hot Dogs is turning 105 this year, and the Mamaroneck landmark is planning to mark the milestone with two days of festivities – including the return of its highly-anticipated hot dog eating contest. 

The two-day celebration kicks off on Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Mamaroneck location, 937 Palmer Ave., with Family Fun Day. The event will include complimentary arts and crafts, games, a balloonist, face painting, a photo booth, and more.

And of course, they will be selling their locally famous hot dogs.

Walter’s will be open for business and one of their food trucks will be sitting outside to supplement the anticipated large crowds.

The entertainment wouldn’t be complete, however, without the return of Walter’s hot dog eating contest. The contest is an anticipated part of each anniversary celebration — the last eat off took place in 2019 — and it’s back to crown a new Joey Chestnut of the Sound Shore. 

The last winner was Richard Carlson of Middletown, Connecticut, who ate his way to victory in 2019, swallowing 12.5 dogs in 10 minutes.

The contest’s return seemed to spark interest on Instagram and even coax one former champ back to the competitive eating table.  

“2009 champ here, coming out of semi-retirement. Going to settle the infamous “Phantom Two” of 2009 once and for all,” @jlanza66 commented.

On Monday, Aug. 26, Walter’s will rollout Customer Appreciation Day by selling hot dogs for only $1.05, as opposed to the usual $3.20.

Both days’ events are rain or shine. 

The White Plains sit-down restaurant, located at 186 Mamaroneck Ave., will also selling hot dogs for the customer appreciation price.

Walter’s was opened in Mamaroneck by Walter Warrington in 1919. His son, Gene Warrington, took over the business for more than 70 years and was a well-known figure in the community. By the time he died in 2017, Walter’s had opened an additional location and four food trucks, one of which has a residency at Playland.

Gene-Christian Baca, the great-grandson of the restaurant’s namesake, owns the Walter’s brand now and told The Record they expect a strong turnout in Mamaroneck next weekend.

Baca said they hold anniversary celebrations every five years that are well-attended, in large part because the restaurant is beloved by Westchester residents.

“It’s a tradition that people that know about, they come to, they love to be a part of it,” Baca said. “[Walter’s is] a family friendly place … I see people everyday who are like, ‘I used to come here when I was a kid, my grandparents took us, and now I’m taking my kids here.’ It’s just this family tradition.”

To prepare for all of the loyal patrons that will be stopping by across the two-day celebration, the business has ordered thousands of hot dogs. 

Fans flocked to the business’ Instagram page in anticipation of the upcoming occasion.

@Louisastano commented, “I lived on Richbell Rd, my window was directly across from Mamaroneck HS. and couldn’t wait till they opened to get the greatest hot dog. Congratulations on 105 years.”

While @indyssosoft added, “Omg the place will be MOBBED!!”

So what’s Walter’s secret? Their hot dogs — an exclusive blend of beef, pork, and veal — are split down the middle, grilled in a “secret sauce,” and served on a toasted bun with their signature mustard.

Baca says the heavily discounted hot dogs as well as the complimentary day of fun for the whole family, is a way of saying thank you to the people who have kept them in business for more than a century.

It’s been a whirlwind summer for the hot dog giant. They were already awarded Best of Westchester 2024 for best hot dogs, best food truck and best cheap eats in July.

“Best glizzys in the world,” @twatalazoo commented.

For more information, visit the Walter’s Hot Dogs Instagram page @waltershotdogs.