Libertyville hot dog joint Hall-worthy

Andy and Susan Cocallas expected to open a full-scale restaurant when Andy graduated from culinary school a little more than 20 years ago.

Instead, the then-24-year-old opened Max's Dawg House on Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville, and he's never looked back.

In honor of his dedication, the Libertyville hot dog joint at 1438 S. Milwaukee Ave. was inducted into the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame on Tuesday by Bob Schwartz, senior vice president of the hot dog company.

"Max's has achieved icon status in the area, feeding everyone from second-generation business leaders to students from Libertyville High School," Schwartz said during the ceremony. "Max's provides consistent, great-quality food and good conversation to all."

Max's is now one of 50 hot dog stands that have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Andy Cocallas said he was thrilled to be on that list.

"I'm very excited by the honor," he said. "We've enjoyed being here and love our customers and the community. It's really an honor for us.'

Andy Cocallas received a plaque, a large window banner, and hall of fame pins and t-shirts during the dedication ceremony Tuesday morning. He said he would display all the prizes with pride.

"It's really amazing because I keep running into people who worked for me 15 or 18 years ago and they tell me they still love the food," he said. "It's an honor to be a part of the lives of people in the community."