Javier Tapia didn’t plan on spending his retirement running a hot dog restaurant.
After more than 30 years working as a warehouse supervisor, the long-time Franklin Park resident was pondering a move to someplace warm — Arizona, maybe.
But ultimately, it was his grandsons who had the final say.
Learning that running a fast-food restaurant was a dream of teenagers Chrystian and Carlos, Tapia decided that coming out of a retirement to help them get started on their future might be something to consider. While searching the Internet for small, established restaurants that were for sale, Tapia came across Uptown Park Ridge’s Tasty Pup.
“I looked at others, too, but then I came to his location and said, ‘This is small enough for me to start. I think this is doable.’” he said.
After running Tasty Pup for six years at 49 S. Summit Ave., owners Luis and Pamela Del Valle sold the eatery to Tapia in December. Before coming to Park Ridge, they operated Tasty Pup on Harlem Avenue, just south of Northwest Highway, on Chicago’s far northwest side.
The Del Valles could not be reached for comment.
Tapia says Tasty Pup customers can continue to find the Vienna beef hot dogs and gyros that they have come to known. But he is also planning an expansion of the menu to feature authentic Mexican tacos and burritos that come from family recipes.
“I want to bring my flavor to this place and hopefully it will be welcome,” Tapia said.
A possible name change for the restaurant is also being considered.
As it was with the Del Valles, running Tasty Pup will be a family endeavor. Tapia is currently assisted by his wife, Maria, and will be joined by his sister Marta Galvan when Mexican dishes are added. His grown children, Chrystian and Jessica, as well as the grandsons who inspired his acquisition of the business, will also help out, he said.
Tapia admits that restaurant ownership has been, at times, overwhelming, but he says he’s received support from many Tasty Pup regulars.
“I think Park Ridge is a great little town. The people are very friendly here,” he said. “I feel very welcome.”
Tapia said he’s always enjoyed interacting with others, which led to his involvement in counseling at-risk teens with west suburban-based Youth Outreach Services during the 1990s. He is also a former youth soccer coach for the Franklin Park Thunder.
Today, Tapia’s sole attention is on his new business.
“You have to be committed to do the best you can in this environment,” he said. “It’s very different [from my last job], but I welcome the challenge.”