Larry and Susan Bolton continue to enjoy hot dogs after more than four decades of directing Hot Dog Express in Longview.
Susan stated, “I’d rather eat a hot dog than a cheeseburger,” to which Larry responded, “Oh yes, I enjoy hot dogs too.”
When Larry moved to Longview from California, Susan was working evenings at what was then a Der Wienerschnitzel restaurant. His brother had taken over the Tyler and Longview Der Wienerschnitzel eateries. Larry worked for the corporation in California, and his brother wished for him to join the franchise when he acquired it. Larry declared that he was prepared to leave California, and he and the Boltons met when he began working days at a restaurant in Longview.
The Original Da Wienerschnitzel — the business continues to operate abroad as Wienerschnitzel — opened in 1967, according to the pair. It remained closed for a few years until Larry’s brother took over the local franchise and Larry began managing the Longview location in 1974. As the franchise agreement expired, the companies rebranded to Hot Dog Express. Just one year later, in 1988, they acquired the Longview restaurant.
Since then, the pair has been operating out of the “V”-shaped orange structure with the “Hot Dog Express” sign on to its roof.
Susan stated, “We haven’t made many changes,” with the pair claiming that the restaurant’s constancy has been the secret to its success throughout the years.
“This was our child,” she explained.
She extended appreciation to Liz Miller, Jannie DeVance, and Annie Roby, who both passed away in 2022, for their decades-long service.
Susan compared Roby’s death to the loss of a family member while describing Roby’s passing.
Susan stated, “We could not have done it without them.” There is no one better than these three females.
Also, they have formed connections with their customers, since several generations of the same families continue to dine at Hot Dog Express.
Susan stated that the couple’s three daughters, Barbara Sipes, Tammy Carr, and Wendy Stewart, had all assisted with the business throughout the years.
As she was away from the firm for around five years to care for her parents, Barbara Sipes, her daughter, assisted in its management. Olivia Sipes, Barbara’s daughter, also worked there over the summer and other times when they were short-staffed. Tammy and her husband have also contributed to the business.
Susan said that Hot Dog Express’s business was better than ever despite the fact that many companies and restaurants struggled or even closed due to the limits imposed by Covid-19. The restaurant is mostly a drive-through with outside seating.
Susan stated that the months after the initial outbreak of COVID were nothing but beneficial.
The Boltons’ commitment to the business came at a cost, though.
Susan stated, “We missed a great deal of our children and grandchildren’s athletic events and other activities.”
Nevertheless, as Larry stated, since they both worked at the firm, that was their only source of income.
“We had no choice,” he stated.
They stated their intention to sell the firm and retire at the end of 2022. Gordon Woolley, a local business entrepreneur, purchased it in February. He has stated that he intends to upgrade the drive-through – the queue occasionally backs up into Marshall Avenue —but has no further plans to alter the restaurant. During a period of transition, the current personnel stayed in place, and the Boltons joined them.
Shortly, though, they intend to stay at home, sit in their backyard, or attend athletic events involving their grandkids, as well as go to be with a grandchild when their daughter Tammy Bolton Carr and her husband travel. Susan stated that they had been a tremendous asset to the firm over the past five years.
Susan reflected on the pain of missing so much of her grandchildren’s development: “We’ve lost so much of their upbringing.”
But, exiting the business is also difficult.
“I will miss the work,” stated Larry. We have brought it from nothing to its current state.
Yet, they are optimistic about the restaurant’s future under Gordon Woolley’s leadership.
Susan stated of Woolley, “We’re entrusting it to the most capable hands.”
