A Denver restaurant specializing in hot dogs has closed following the death of its owner.
Inspired by his childhood summer spent noshing on franks in Chicago, Sonny Jarock opened the original Mile High Vienna Stand near the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Santa Fe Drive in 2008 before moving to another building at 300 Santa Fe Drive.
Posts from family on Facebook say Jarock died on Dec. 3 at 50 years old and that the stand will close. A call and email seeking comment went unanswered Wednesday morning. Commenters shared their memories online as well.
“With the passing of Sonny, we want to send our thanks for the 15 years you helped fuel his dream,” the post said. “He loved when he could be there to talk with everyone and share stories, and he truly built a community.”
The Mile High Vienna Stand, which had a high profile on the busy street, was known, fittingly, for its Vienna-brand hot dogs. It was also known for its top-notch Italian beef with sweet peppers or hot giardiniera served on a fresh-baked Gonella roll and a side of homemade gravy.
The Denver area has experienced a slew of restaurant closures recently, including El Tepehuan Mexican restaurant in Englewood, Ice Cream Riot on East Colfax, Stoney’s Cantina on South Broadway and Apple Blossom in downtown Denver.