Charles Feltman

Charles Feltman German-American restaurateur

Charles Feltman was a German-American entrepreneur, credited with inventing the hot dog. Born in 1841 in Germany, Feltman immigrated to the United States, where he would eventually make his mark on American culinary history. He began his career as a baker in Coney Island, a popular recreational area in Brooklyn, New York. In 1867, Feltman devised a way to serve sausages in a split bun, making them easier to eat while walking along the Coney Island boardwalk. This innovation led to the creation of what is now known as the hot dog.

Early Life

Charles Feltman was born in 1841 in Germany. Seeking better opportunities, he moved to the United States in the mid-19th century. After settling in New York, Feltman began working as a baker, honing the skills that would later help him invent the hot dog.

Career

In 1867, Feltman opened a pie-wagon in Coney Island, which at the time was becoming a popular leisure destination for New Yorkers. Recognizing the need for food that could be easily consumed by the beachgoers, Feltman came up with the idea of placing a grilled sausage inside a split bun. This innovation not only made it easier for people to eat while strolling along the boardwalk but also marked the birth of the hot dog.

Feltman's invention quickly gained popularity, leading him to open a restaurant in Coney Island where he expanded his menu to include various types of food. His establishment grew into a large complex, including multiple dining halls and amusements, becoming one of the early examples of an entertainment and dining complex in the United States.

Legacy

Charles Feltman's contribution to American cuisine was significant, with the hot dog becoming an iconic food item across the country. His original restaurant in Coney Island served as a blueprint for future food service establishments and amusement parks. Although Feltman's name is not as widely recognized as some other culinary figures, his invention of the hot dog has left a lasting impact on American food culture.

After Feltman's death in 1910, his business continued to operate for several decades before eventually closing. However, the legacy of the hot dog lives on, with numerous vendors and restaurants across the United States serving variations of Feltman's original creation.

See Also

• Coney Island
• Hot dog
• Culinary history of the United States