Iconic Denver hot dog restaurant ending 20-year run

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Hot dog top dog Steve Ballas has been selling his famous snappin’ dogs for 20 years.

“Did you hear that snap?” asked Ballas as he took a big bite out of one of his creations.

So, how does one get into the hot dog business?

“I went to a doctor’s appointment, and I saw some guy selling hot dogs outside the doctor’s appointment and I called my wife, and I said I think we need to do hotdogs. So, I thought let’s bring in some East Coast-style hotdogs,“ said Ballas.

After two decades in the business, Ballas decided to close shop for good.

“I just turned 70 years old. I got a bad back; I am a cancer survivor. Linda‘s cancer came back. She just turned 77 and it’s time,“ said Ballas.

Sometimes taking a stroll down memory lane can be a rocky road.

“It’s bittersweet. Am I going to miss it? Yeah, I am going to miss it, but I’ve done everything. I’ve done everything I wanted to do in my life,” said Ballas.

Before building his hot dog dynasty, Ballas was a firefighter, a police officer and an EMT. But most of all Ballas said he fed people.

“Because people love to eat, and you can make people so happy with good food, simple food,” said Ballas.

Simple maybe, but uniquely delicious, and soon to be a memory.

Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs last day of business will be on Saturday, Oct. 19.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.