Hot Dog On A Stick Launches First Food Truck In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — As the granddaughter of the founder of Hot Dog on a Stick, Courtney Barham grew up in the family business.

The Encinitas native is making her own mark on the iconic brand with the launch of its first food truck in San Diego County, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the company.

"I'm really excited to bring it back to the beach community where it all came from and where it all began," Barham told Patch.

Barham's grandfather, Dave Barham, opened the original Hot Dog on a Stick beachfront stand in 1946 near the Santa Monica Pier.

He later sold his popular corn dogs and lemonade at county fairs. The brand eventually branched out into malls and shopping centers in several states.

Today, Hot Dog on a Stick has 49 locations in five states and one store in China, according to the company. Global Franchise Group acquired the fast food chain in 2014.

"Hot Dog on a Stick is an iconic lifestyle brand that excels in sunny places with smiling faces," said Chris Cheek, chief development officer of Hot Dog on a Stick.

"Interest in Hot Dog on a Stick franchising is at a high, and with a small footprint and ease of operations, it's no wonder why. The brand also aligns perfectly with food trucks as the demand for outdoor catering and on-demand convenience continues to be strong."

Growing up, Barham would accompany her grandfather on surprise visits to Hot Dog on a Stick stores. She spent her childhood summers with her family at county fairs as they served up made-to-order corn dogs and cheese sticks and hand-pressed lemonade.

Gary Barham, her father and son of the founder, brought the famous brand to fairs throughout the state for more than 50 years.

"My summers were spent on the fairgrounds, so for a long time, I loved it when I was little," said Courtney Barham, who grew up in North County. "I got to travel and spent a lot of time with my family."

Still, Courtney Barham didn't plan to continue in the family business. She previously lived in Los Angeles and worked as a talent manager.

The coronavirus pandemic pushed her to follow in her grandfather's and father's footsteps.

With the popularity of food trucks, Courtney Barham encouraged her parents to open a Hot Dog on a Stick food truck for several years. They finally purchased one when the pandemic shut down fairs and festivals.

"We needed to find something else," she said. "Out of the blue, my parents went and got a food truck."

As the brand continues to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, the food truck made its debut last week at American Legion Post 416 in Encinitas.

"It's great to have her continue the family business and keep the brand of Hot Dog on a Stick alive and thriving," Gary Barham told Patch. "With Courtney's help, and because of COVID, we have had to look in a new direction. Hence the food truck and the future for Courtney to build one or two more this year. Couldn't be more proud!"

The chain currently has just two locations in the county: at Belmont Park in San Diego and Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista.

The food truck will serve multiple communities in the San Diego area, with a focus on North County. Courtney Barham hopes eventually to launch additional food trucks in the San Diego region.

"I'm bringing it back to San Diego," she said. "This is a new area for us, but we're looking forward to serving our community."

Follow the San Diego area Hot Dog on a Stick food truck on Instagram and Facebook.