City officials cut the ribbon dedicating Pink’s Square at the intersection of La Brea and Melrose Avenue (l-r) former Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Patt Morrison, Beverly Pink, Councilmember David Ryu, LAFD Chief Armando Hogan, Councilmember Paul Koretz, Richard Pink, City Attorney Mike Feuer, Gloria Pink and former Councilmember and County Supervisor Zev Yaraslovsky
Yesterday, Los Angeles City officials gathered to dedicate the intersection at La Brea and Melrose Avenues historic Pink’s Square in honor of the family run business, Pink’s Hotdogs, founded in 1939 by Paul and Betty Pink.
Councilmember Paul Koretz told the Buzz he’d been working on the dedication of the intersection for over a year to honor the legendary institution that he’s been coming to his whole life.
“They started from humble beginnings with 25 bucks and a push cart, then a restaurant and now there are Pink’s all over the world but this is the original, the Hollywood icon, it’s just a great story,” Koretz told the Buzz.
There are four signs designating the intersection that Koretz said he hopes to eventually paint pink. But for now, there are four vertical pink poles that will hopefully stay pink.
Pink’s is celebrating the designation of the intersection by donating $7800 to charity in recognition of its 78 years in business and is donating 100% of the proceeds of the sale of chili dogs and Patt Morrison veggie dogs, sold for 78¢ yesterday.
“We are overwhelmed with joy,” Richard Pink told reporters yesterday who explained that people keep coming because of the food is good and there’s something for everyone with over 40 hotdogs on the menu.
Below are photos from the festivities.
Pink poles mark Pink’s Square at the intersection of La Brea and Melrose Avenues
Councilmember Paul Koretz unveils the sign
Everyone gets in on the hotdog photo!
Former Councilmember Tom LaBonge interviews Richard Pink
Gloria Pink, Councilmember David Ryu, Richard Punk, Beverly Pink and Councilmember Paul Koretz
Councilmember Koretz and Richard Pink with LAPD Senior Lead Officers Dave Cordova
Beverly Pink
Richard Pink with reporters
Gloria Pink showing us her hotdog themed accessories
Vera Babb, Richard Pink’s assistant for over 30 years, made the ceremonial ribbon.
Hamilton High School Chamber singers sang songs from the 1930’s and 1940’s
Gloria, Richard and Beverly Pink with Councilmember Paul Koretz in the pink cadillac
Jerry Irons and his pink cadillac. The car, rebuilt by Irons’s automotive restoration shop, Ed’s Airport Service, was on loan to Pink’s for the festivities
Tanner Tidoni, LADOT places the sign on one of four poles in the intersection
View of intersection, photo by Tanner Tidoni, LADOT with assistance from his supervisor Louis Fernandez.
View of intersection, photo by Tanner Tidoni, LADOT with assistance from his supervisor Louis Fernandez.
View of intersection, photo by Tanner Tidoni, LADOT with assistance from his supervisor Louis Fernandez.
Patricia Lombard is the publisher of the Larchmont Buzz. Patty lives with her family in Fremont Place. She has been active in neighborhood issues since moving here in 1989. Her pictorial history, "Larchmont" for Arcadia Press is available at Chevalier's Books.
