Lum's

Lum's hot dog restaurant Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lum's was a chain of restaurants based in Florida, United States, known for its hot dogs steamed in beer. Founded in 1956 by brothers Clifford and Stuart Perlman, Lum's grew from a single location in Miami Beach, Florida, to a franchise with over 400 outlets in the United States and several other countries by the early 1970s. The Perlman brothers expanded the menu to include a variety of items, but Lum's was most famous for its beer-steamed hot dogs.

History

Lum's was originally a small beachfront restaurant in Miami Beach, purchased by the Perlman brothers in 1956. The concept of steaming hot dogs in beer was innovative at the time and became a signature dish that helped differentiate Lum's from other fast-food outlets. The success of this unique offering led to the expansion of Lum's, both through company-owned stores and franchising.

In the late 1960s, Lum's Inc. went public, which facilitated further expansion. At its peak, the chain had over 400 locations. Beyond hot dogs, Lum's menu featured a variety of items, including hamburgers, sandwiches, and fried seafood, but it was the beer-steamed hot dogs that remained the most popular.

Despite its initial success, Lum's began to face challenges in the 1970s. Changes in consumer preferences, increased competition, and rising operational costs led to a decline in profitability. In 1978, the Perlman brothers sold the company to John Y. Brown, a Kentucky Fried Chicken magnate. Under new ownership, the focus shifted away from expansion, and efforts were made to revitalize the brand.

However, the revival was short-lived, and the number of Lum's restaurants began to dwindle. By the late 1980s, many locations had closed or been converted to other restaurant brands. The last known Lum's location, in Davie, Florida, closed its doors in 2009, marking the end of the chain.

Menu

Lum's was best known for its hot dogs steamed in beer, a unique cooking method that imparted a distinctive flavor. The menu also included other fast-food staples such as hamburgers, fried chicken, and seafood dishes. Lum's offered a casual dining experience, with a focus on quality ingredients and friendly service.

Legacy

Though Lum's has disappeared from the landscape, its legacy endures in the memories of those who visited the restaurants during its heyday. The concept of beer-steamed hot dogs remains a culinary curiosity and is sometimes replicated by enthusiasts at home or in other restaurants seeking to capture the unique flavor that made Lum's famous.

See Also

• List of defunct fast-food restaurant chains
• History of fast food in the United States