North Shore Resident/Vienna Beef Executive Publishes 'Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog'

Just in time for the holiday season, the iconic book that traces the birth and life of Chicago's traditional hot dog stands, Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog, will again be available for purchase.

The book is now in its third re-print due to popular demand, with a variety of updates and additional stories. The preface is written by Chicago native and actor, Joe Mantegna and the foreword, and newly-added afterward by Chicago media personality, Bob Sirott.

Author Bob Schwartz, the senior vice president of customer development at Vienna Beef, originally released this labor of love in 2008, after working for nearly four decades alongside hundreds of hot dog stand entrepreneurs, both in the city and the suburbs.

Schwartz gained a deep understanding and respect for the men and women who built these businesses from the ground up. "The book was, and is important to Chicago because it conveys a history of the hot dog stand that has become synonymous with Chicago and its culture," Schwarz said.

Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog takes readers on a historical journey from the Columbian Exposition in 1893 to the Chicago hot dog stand origins during the Great Depression. Personal, heartfelt stories about operators of the 1950's through today are featured, with perspectives on the future. "It is their unique personalities and passion for their business and communities that takes center stage, and has made these business people an integral part of our culture" Schwartz said.

"We decided to re-print the book because it sold out twice. The new version has gotten some updates, a fresh new look, and there are added stories along with new ideas for entrepreneurs and hot dog stand groupies," Schwartz said.

So come along on a hot dog ride starting in 1893 at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago up until today, with your tour guide, Mr. Bob Schwartz. And don't forget to leave off the ketchup!

Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog is now available for purchase on Amazon - great for stocking stuffers and holiday gifts for the hot dog aficionados in your life!

Bob Schwartz lives on Chicago's North Shore with his wife, Marsha. Together they have two sons, and four very special granddaughters. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a graduate of Ohio University.