Hot dog fans have a new go-to spot in Westwood that comes with quite a pedigree. Founder and CEO Dan DeMiglio is the grandson of Leonard “Artie” Castrianni, proprietor of the original Callahan’s in Fort Lee. When deciding how best to honor his grandfather’s legacy, Dan decided to name his hot dog restaurant 1950 Originals.
The name refers to the spot’s signature hot dogs and the unique people on their team. It’s also a reference to the year Leonard first opened Callahan’s back in 1950. Flash forward to present day, and 1950 Originals is a 500-square-foot fast-casual spot serving unique hot dogs. The unique décor is reminiscent of a sketchbook brought to life, featuring original artwork drawn by the team. The 2D-inspired design is meant to convey a blank canvas, like DeMiglio’s fresh start in the restaurant industry; he previously ran Callahan’s in Norwood.
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One-of-a-Kind Hot Dogs
Food is always served in grab-and-go packaging at 1950 Originals. “Our plan is to bring affordable, good-quality eats to Westwood,” says Dan, a lifelong Westwood resident.
In particular, the restaurant crafts secret-recipe proprietary hot dogs and unique toppings such as candied bacon peanut butter. In fact, the team has collaborated with Thumann’s to develop two one-of-a-kind, secret recipe hot dogs. These exclusive hot dogs are the nine-inch, deep-fried Original (pork and beef) and nine-inch, deep-fried Signature (100% all beef). For the moment, venturing to 1950 Originals is the only way to try these hot dogs. But Dan says they will eventually be sold at grocery stores and shipped nationwide.
Original Toppings
Of course, half the fun of eating at 1950 Originals is ordering the specialty toppings. Traditional hot dogs include the Street Cart, with ketchup, mayo, and Potato Stix. Another popular choice is the Hot Honey Pimento Cheese dog, with pimento cheese, hot honey, and bacon bits. Then there’s the K-Top, inspired by Korean corn dogs. This hot dog is topped with mozzarella sticks, sugar-dusted potatoes, and honey mustard. For a real eye-catching meal, order the candied bacon peanut butter dog, which is Dan’s favorite.
Their complimentary toppings include ketchup, spicy brown mustard, green relish, red relish, and raw onions. Meanwhile, Classic toppings include sauerkraut, chili sauce, cheese sauce, sweet red onions, and spicy onions. The spot also serves burgers, cheeseburgers, and fries.
Visit 1950s Originals at 325 Broadway in Westwood. Look for them online to learn more.
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1950 Originals FAQs
No, they do not accept reservations.
No, they do not have gluten-free options.
1950 Originals does not offer vegetarian options, no.
They do offer takeout, yes.
No, they do not offer delivery.
No, they do not serve alcohol.
They do not have a kids’ menu, no.
All Photos: © 1950 Originals
