Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs: Scratchmade Excellence 

Frank and Paul Tripi, the twin brothers behind Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs, have made their mark in Buffalo’s dining scene by delivering handcrafted food in a fast-casual environment with an indefatigable dedication to quality. What began as a one-man food truck has evolved into an award-winning local institution, where nearly everything is made from scratch, and the food is perfectly executed every time.

Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs began with Frank Tripi’s simple but bold concept: reimagining the humble hot dog—a brave move in a city with over a century of opinionated hot dog allegiances. Frank’s early career included a stint at Sinatra’s, a Buffalo institution, while Paul pursued a law degree. Frank singlehandedly launched his vision as a food truck but soon realized help was necessary. Paul stepped in, and the two have worked side-by-side ever since, each with their own roles and responsibilities. 

Operating a food truck comes with its fair share of challenges. In Western New York, it often includes enduring harsh winters and scorching hot summers, or showing up to rained-out festivals, where all of the food prepared for the masses won’t be sold. Frank and Paul may have had it even harder than most due to their commitment to a painstakingly technical method for making french fries and the choice to make their hot dog buns from scratch every day. Frank often slept on the stainless steel prep table in the church kitchen they rented, waking up every hour to tend the dough or proof and bake the rolls. This level of dedication laid the foundation for their reputation as perfectionists and skilled cooks.

In 2018, they took the leap and opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Kenmore Avenue in a former auto shop they transformed into a fast-casual restaurant. The addition of burgers and chicken sandwiches rounded out the menu and grew the brothers’ reputation for nailing everything they serve. 

In the interim, the Tripis have changed up some of their sourcing for consistency’s sake but remain steadfast in their focus to deliver an exceptional product with consistency. Every item on Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs’ menu is carefully considered, from signature hot dogs made with custom links by Wardynski’s to housemade toppings, sauces, and sides. “We want to make everything as fresh and high-quality as possible,” says Frank. “If you’re coming to us, you’re getting something we’ve put a lot of research, testing, thought, and effort into.”

While sourcing and an eye for perfection are fundamental to their success, they also credit their team. The brothers are devoted to their staff and strive to provide an environment where employees feel valued in a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and growth. Many of their team have been with them for years, a testament to the positive and inclusive environment they’ve cultivated. “Our crew is tight,” says Paul. “When we come to work, it’s not just for the paycheck. We’re all working with our friends, and we want to do a good job for them as well as our customers. We’re very much a team.”

The Tripis’ relentless pursuit of excellence has earned Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs national acclaim. They were named one of Yelp’s Top 100 US Places to Eat in 2021, landing at an impressive #75. In 2022, their community-driven philosophy was recognized when they received the Community Support & Leadership Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Dream Big Awards. Their commitment to quality has also been highlighted in Taste of Home magazine, where they were featured in the 2024 list of The Best Hot Dogs in Every State, a remarkable feat given New York’s historic and obsessive hot dog culture. In 2024, Lovefood.com declared the aforementioned handcrafted french fries the best in New York State, adding to the restaurant’s ever-growing list of accolades.

Locally, the Ken-Ton Chamber of Commerce honored the restaurant as Business Member of the Month in April 2022. Over the years, Frank has also amassed Best of WNY awards from Buffalo Spree magazine; more than a dozen line the wall next to its cash register.

Looking ahead, Frank and Paul have no immediate plans for expansion. “We want the restaurant experience to be perfect,” says Paul. “We’re very focused on that. Does it hinder us? Maybe, maybe not, but we think it’s an asset because you just don’t get that anymore.”

In a world where “fast food” almost always equates sacrificing quality, Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs stands as a beacon of what’s possible when passion, precision, and a people-first mindset come together. “Our focus,” notes Frank, “is making sure that every single guest has the very best experience every time they visit.”

Frank Gourmet Hot Dogs
707 Kenmore Avenue, Kenmore, NY
findfranknow.com