It’s the end of an era for “The Hot Dog King.”
69 News has learned the Yocco’s location on Liberty Street in Allentown is closing its doors for good Sunday night.
Employees confirmed the news Sunday afternoon, just hours before the Lehigh Valley staple is set to close.
Marie Hirst has been working at the location at 625 Liberty Street in Allentown, on and off since the 1980’s.
“It is sad, I cried a little bit on Friday after we got the news,” Hirst said.
The four employees that work there say they will be taking jobs at the other Yocco’s locations spread across the Lehigh Valley.
The other five Yocco’s locations remain open.
Employees say they learned of the closure on Friday, when management told them slow sales and low customer turnout were affecting business on Liberty Street.
On Sunday, patrons were lining up at the landmark Liberty Street location for a last taste there of their favorite dogs in town, sharing stories from years past.
“I was shocked at first,” customer, Ramon Alvarado said.
Known for its famous hot dogs – and “Secret Recipe Chili Sauce” – Yocco’s was founded in 1922 by Theodore Iacocca, who opened the original store on Liberty Street that same year.
In 1934, the original location moved down the block to its current spot at 625 Liberty Street.
Several other locations have been opened since, including restaurants in Allentown, Trexlertown, Fogelsville and Emmaus.
According to Yocco’s website, “No matter how many stores open up, Yocco’s is committed to maintaining the same level of quality in its food and customer service that its customers have known for the past 90+ years.”