PARMA, Ohio — The time has officially come for the owners of the beloved Hot Dog Diner and Burger Company to say their goodbyes.
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“I’ve had it up for sale a little while, and I had a lot of people who wanted to buy it, but unfortunately, they didn’t want to do things exactly the way I wanted to,” said Dave Teare, Co-owner of The Hot Dog Diner and Burger Company.
Dave Teare told News 5 that he decided to wait until the right person came along.
“I have a legacy for 20 years. I’m very proud of what I’ve done, so I’m excited to be able to give this off to my nephew and let him continue the legacy,” said Dave Teare.
News 5’s Remi Murrey first met Dave and Natalie Teare last year in May when the couple told News 5 they decided to sell the diner because Natalie had a procedure four years ago, and Dave said it impacted the way she’s able to do her job.
“We worked greater together. We really did, but unfortunately, she can’t do it,” said Dave.
Dave and Natalie admitted it would be bittersweet once the day finally arrived to say goodbye.
But they both said it’s time, and they are excited for what’s ahead.
“Watching what our nephew is going to do with this because we were too chicken to do anything crazy, and he has so much experience in corporate restaurants that it’ll be fun to watch him do what it’s capable of,” said Natalie.
Tyler and Alainna Teare said it’ll be exciting for them, too, as well as a big adjustment for their family.
“It’s been a lot,” said Alainna, Dave and Natalie Teare’s daughter. “Every road trip we go on, we’re looking at restaurants, seeing new menu items so it’s definitely a transition to change the focus of the family.”
“He’s been couped up here 20 years now, so it’ll be nice to have my dad back,” said Tyler, Dave and Natalie Teare’s son.
As Dave and Natalie prepare to welcome their nephew on Feb. 1, they said the community can expect some exciting changes.
“The drive-thru is going to be open, and they’re going to be open until midnight on some nights, 10 o’clock on other nights,” said Dave Teare.
They also thanked their customers for all their support throughout the last 20 years.
“We’ve been very blessed with great employees and great customers,” said Dave Teare.
While the owners said this is the end of this chapter, they said they’ll be back to visit.
