Winky Dinky Dogs opened their doors on January 24 2026, bringing with them a welcoming sense of nostalgia to the corner of Telegraph and 46th Street. For years, the lot had been empty, and with its extensive past as Kasper’s Hot Dogs, it seemed it would never become anything new. Oakland’s community had long thought that the hot dog-shaped hole that Kaspers left in their hearts would never be filled, until the new location of Winky Dinky Dogs decided to take a stand.
Winky Dinky Dogs is not a new addition to the weiner scene. In fact, their original location is in downtown Oakland, on 19th and Harrison Street. They aim to foster a sense of community, filling the hearts and stomachs of their customers. It first opened in 2023, but its history goes further back. Tyranny Allen, the creator of the restaurant, ran a hot dog cart starting around 2020, and eventually aimed to expand his business to what it is today.
The history of the building on Telegraph started in 1930, with Casper’s, a popular frankfurter chain that continues its legacy to this day. Two Armenian brothers originally owned it together in Chicago, Stephen Beklian and Harry S. Yaglijian, but they moved west to California in favor of warmer weather. They later had a falling out, deciding to split the business, one became Casper’s, and the other, Kasper’s. They clearly mirrored each other, having similar menu items, but they would continue to keep their distance for nearly a century. Harry S. Yaglijian, owner of Kasper’s Hot Dogs, occupied the same building that Winky Dinky Dog does now. In 2003, Harry unfortunately passed away, and his son promising to reopen the doors a month later was entrusted with the business. Sadly, he never followed through on that promise, and Kasper’s Hot Dog’s doors continued to be closed for over 20 years. Various graffiti, sincerely commemorating the business, accumulated across the abandoned building. This changed when Winky Dinky Dogs decided to take up the torch of delicious sausages, and open the doors once more for the people of Oakland.
Past customers claimed that Kasper’s was a “magical location for flavor” and that the wonderful taste of the tube steaks couldn’t be recreated even by the owner’s son himself. Others continue this narrative, claiming that the building itself has special powers that bless any and all frankfurters made in it. The doors reopened for the first time in at least 20 years on January 24, 2026. Winky Dinky Dog’s menu features a variety ranging from classic links and veggie dogs to extravagant dishes with impressive toppings. One of their most popular and recommended menu items is the Mac N Chz Winky Dinky Dog which consists of a meat of your choice, a lightly toasted and seasoned bun, and finally their “World Famous Mac n Cheese,” generously layered on top. They also offer small cakes as well as drinks to accompany their spectacular hot link. Their goal is to foster community in the Bay Area with the goal of continuing the hot dog history, but with their own special touch!