New Bedford’s Beloved Gary’s Best Says Owners Will Retire Next Year

NEW BEDFORD ( WBSM ) — Just days after the announcement that New Bedford's beloved Yor Dogg Mil restaurant will permanently close at year's end due to the owner's retirement, another city staple announced retirement is coming soon for its owner as well.

Gary's Best Hot Dogs, which has been serving up hot dogs on Ashley Boulevard for 40 years, posted its upcoming holiday schedule to Facebook this morning along with the message that 2025 will be the final year for the owners of the hot dog stand.

"After much thought, and after 40 years in business, total retirement is on our agenda for 2025," the post read.

The post also referenced some of the other closings that have happened as of late.

"It's extremely heartbreaking to hear of so many small businesses closing their doors after decades of service to the area. The end of an era for many," the post read. "Appreciating the memories that will live on throughout several generations makes it a bit easier. The employees over the years that become family and the customers that make the work and service so worth the effort!"

Gary's Best Began With an 'Epiphany' in Hawaii

According to TheHotDogTruck.com , Joe Franco began Gary's Best – named after his son – in 1984 after being laid off from a local plant.

"The day after he was laid off, he was on a plane for a previously planned trip to Hawaii with his wife. While sitting on the beach, Mrs. Franco asked him what he was going to do for work when they got home," the website reported. "He had an epiphany – he'd had a part time job at a hot dog stand in the past, so he decided to open Gary's Best."

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Gary's Best's Upcoming Schedule

The post also stated Gary's Best will be closed on Thanksgiving and on Christmas Day.

The stand will also close for the months of January and February, and reopen in March 2025 for its final season.

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What's Next for Gary's Best?

No announcement was made about what will happen next, so there's a glimmer of hope for fans of Gary's.

"With appreciation for so many years of a successful business, we will be sharing news as to what the future will entail," the post read.