Scotty's joins hot dog hall of fame

Marc Thompson said the hall of fame honor bestowed upon Scotty's Hot Dog Stand is something that can be cherished by - and is a testament to - his whole family.

"I wasn't even born when Scotty's opened in 1966," he said Tuesday. "My grandparents started this place and it's been passed down from generation to generation. So, it's an honor for everyone."

Scotty's Hot Dogs in Round Lake Beach joined numerous other vendors around the Chicago area in the Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame Tuesday. Other local inductees include Strats in Villa Park and Max's Dawg House in Libertyville.

The 37-year-old Thompson was on hand to accept the accolades, but he credited his grandparents for having the vision to open the establishment on Cedar Lake Road.

"I seriously remember coming here after preschool, coming in the back, and taking a nap on the potato sacks in the back," he said. "So, seriously, while it's awesome for me to get this honor, it's really a testament of the hard work by my grandparents and parents."

He said he serves roughly 300 to 400 dogs a day, and cherishes his work.

"It's been 43 years, and this is one of the best honors we could have received," he said. "And, it's a testament to my customers, both the new ones who come in to try us out, and the older ones who keep coming back."