LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. — Cars lined up Thursday for their last chance to get hot dogs and cheesesteaks at Yocco's Trexlertown location.
The 101-year-old Lehigh Valley hot dog, cheesesteak, pierogi and burger chain announced this week that it would close the Trexlertown location, which sits nearby to Big Lots and Wendy's in the Trexlertown Plaza at 7150 Hamilton Blvd., after 25 years in service.
Owner Gary Iacocca said there was no severe disagreement with the landlords or a significant rent increase that pushed Yocco's out of the location.
Rather, he said it was a decision weighing the age of a 35-year-old building that the business did not own, and that needed upgrades.
"We just thought it was not in our best interest to try to renew for a 10-year lease. We're going to put our resources into our own stores and we will set out to find a new location."Yocco's owner Gary Iacocca
"We just thought it was not in our best interest to try to renew for a 10-year lease," Iacocca said. "We're going to put our resources into our own stores and we will set out to find a new location.
"It is not something I'm thrilled about, but we know that our customers are generally pretty loyal and that we will assimilate some of those into other stores."
Regular customer Mike Eaves came to the stop with his pup for one "daddy-daughter doggie day" at the location, which he said he typically does once a week.
"It's a shame," Eaves said. "I always liked this location. I've been coming here since I was a kid going back 15, 16 years now."
But, as Iacocca noted is often the case with Yocco's fans, Eaves said he's a loyal customer who will make the drive to a nearby stop from now on.
"We're going to be going to the Emmaus location from now on," Eaves said between barks by his companion. "She likes her Yocco's."
Shifts for local hot dog lovers
This year has been one of change for the hot dog business in the Lehigh Valley, with legacy hot dog shops closing or seeing a changing of hands.
For example, Mad Dogs Hot Dogs in Macungie, Pete's Hot Dog Shop in Bethlehem and Willy Joe's in Allentown have new owners, while Palmer Township's Jimmy's Hot Dogs has gone up for sale.
Those who ordered from the Yocco's location on its last day got a note from Iacocca and a coupon for a free hot dog at any of its other locations.
The note, echoing the Facebook post that announced the closure, said the business was not able to negotiate a mutually satisfactory lease extension at the location with the new landlords.
"Let me assure you that all our other stores are secure for many years to come," Iacocca said in the note. "I personally own most of the properties and our two leased stores have long-term renewal options.
"I can't promise another 100 years but who knows. Will people still be eating hot dogs in 2124?"
The note thanks the loyal customers of the location and says all employees will transfer to other stores.
Yocco's was founded in 1922 by Theodore Iacocca and since has since become a Lehigh Valley staple for its chili-sauce-covered hot dogs and cheesesteaks.
With the closure of the Trexlertown location, the chain operates five locations in the area.
Gary Iacocca noted the Trexlertown store was the first opened under his ownership as a way to filter off customers from the busy Route 100 shop.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, Iacocca said, because of COVID restrictions it rarely opened dine-in service and later staffing challenges, and relied primarily on drive-through service.
Yoccos' closest stores to the location are in Fogelsville on Route 100 and in Emmaus.
Down the road on Hamilton Boulevard, new fast food locations are currently in construction, including the area's first Raising Cane's chicken fingers location and a Wawa Drive-Through.
Considering new location
With the announcement of the closure came calls for a new restaurant nearby from various fans of the restaurant in Whitehall Township, Schnecksville, Quakertown and other locations, which Iacocca said the company appreciates.
"I think it's better for us and our customers that we put our our resources into our other locations and getting them to where we want them to be," Iacocca said.
"And also take the opportunity to find another location that is going to be newer and more efficient.
"And based on what our customers are saying, we have a lot of places that they want us to come to."
Iacocca said Yocco's recently underwent service upgrades for the use of credit cards and will save the neon signs from the Trexlertown location for future opportunities.
He said the business has been contacted by real estate opportunities and work on a new location likely will occur within the next two years.
