Papaya King, New York City’s original and iconic hot dog and tropical drink restaurant, is now franchising across the U.S. Since first opening its doors to customers in 1932, Papaya King has built a reputation for freshness, quality, flavor, and fun. In 1932 founder Gus Poulos, wanting to serve fresh fruit juice, opened New York’s first juice bar on the corner of 86th and 3rd. The store eventually added frankfurters to supplement their already famous “Hawaiian Tropical Drinks.” Since then, Papaya King has become a New York City staple, with three locations across the city, one open on Paradise Road in Las Vegas and a second set to open on the Las Vegas Strip itself. The company is now ready to expand throughout the U.S.
Specialty franks like the Upper East (pastrami, kraut, and pickle chips), and the Hula Hula (jalapenos, fresh pineapple, sweet peppers, sautéed onions, and pepper flakes) prove no restaurant seamlessly blends hot dogs and sides into creative and craveable concotions quite like Papaya King. The hot dog chain’s penchant for freshness extends to its healthy and delectable assortment of tropical drinks, fresh smoothies and fruit juices along with indulgent street food favorites like fried Oreos and Twinkies. It’s vintage designed merchandise has become a cult favorite.
“We’re excited to start franchising and can’t wait to share New York’s finest hot dog with the rest of America,” says Wayne Rosenbaum, president of Papaya King. “It’s a big deal to introduce such a vital part of New York City to people who’ve never had it before. We’re looking forward to working with the Fransmart team to make this dream a reality.”
Papaya King has been a darling for celebrity attention for decades. Julia Child claimed they served the “best hot dogs in New York.” Martha Stewart considers them a “guilty pleasure.” The iconic location is anregular haunt for celebrity chefs Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern. Emril Lagasse has even taken his turn behind the grill. The Beatles made time for some franks before their legendary Ed Sullivan performance and The New York Times once declared Papaya King “the best hot dog in the world.”
Papaya King is looking for experienced and qualified franchise partners in major U.S. media markets and has partnered with Fransmart for their expansion efforts. Fransmart is the franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fires and Qdoba Mexican Grill and will serve as Papaya King’s exclusive franchise partner.
