Long before food trucks were a common sight, "Hot Dog" Bill Parrish was bringing great food directly to the people. A talented entrepreneur, Big Band trumpeter who performed with legends including Duke Ellington, Jimmy Dorsey, and Lionel Hampton, and a member of San Francisco's Bohemian Club, Bill was also an early pioneer of the mobile food business.
The Trailer as Featured in Store Catalog
In the early 1950s, Bill parked his food trailer near Lake Merced, serving golfers, fishermen, joggers, and anyone looking for a great meal. It was there that the Burgerdog™ was born.
Limited grill space inspired Bill to shape his burgers like hot dogs. The unique design cooked faster, fit the grill more efficiently, and was easier to eat on the go. As it turned out, it also made for one incredibly delicious burger.
Trailer Parked on the Lake Course
For years, Bill hand-shaped every Burgerdog™ to order. As demand grew, a custom mold was developed to increase production while preserving the quality that made the Burgerdog a local favorite.
Today, every Burgerdog™ is handcrafted from our signature blend of premium ground chuck and sirloin, cooked fresh to order, and served on a freshly baked bun toasted crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. From day one, our recipe for success has been simple: quality ingredients, careful preparation, and attention to every detail.
"Hot Dog" Bill Parrish
Bill's burgers quickly earned a loyal following—so much so that golfers from The Olympic Club would leave the course to visit Hot Dog Bills, creating enough slow play that the club invited Bill to open a permanent concession near the 10th green in 1950. Members enjoyed not only the Burgerdog, but also Bill's trumpet performances echoing across the fairways.
The business continued to grow with permanent concession locations added for the 1987 U.S. Open and later on the Ocean Course. Second-generation owner Candy Parrish carried on the family tradition, and today the third generation proudly manages the business while staying true to Bill's original vision.
In 2019, Hot Dog Bills partnered with Bon Appétit Management Company to bring the Burgerdog™ to San Francisco's Chase Center, introducing a Bay Area classic to a whole new generation of fans.
