Pronto Pups are long. The story of how they started here is even longer.
Pronto Pup owner Sharon Andreini (middle) runs the family-owned business with her children Danny Andreini Jr. (left) and Lisa Warren (right) pictured at the Delta Fair on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)
Most Memphians have eaten a Pronto Pup before, but what some Memphians might not know is that the festival food has been a Bluff City favorite for 77 years.
The tale of the local Pronto Pup begins in 1947 at the Mid-South Fair.
A barber and beauty shop owner named Bemis Atkins had heard of a hot dog treat he thought would be a hit in the South.
The hot-dog-on-a-stick was dipped in a batter and fried until golden brown. Bemis called his version a “Pronto Pup,” and the rest is history.
Topics
Pronto Pups Danny Andreini Delta Fair and Music Festival Cooper-Young Festival Mid-South Fair Subscriber OnlyThank you for reading The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
Did you know we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization? We rely on a mix of revenue from subscriptions (50%), advertising, events and other earned income (25%) and fundraising (25%).
Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian today.
👉🏽 Your subscription pays for you to read all our journalism.
👉🏽 Your donation powers the work we do to reach everyone else with the news.
We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now.
Jennifer Chandler
A cookbook author and former restaurateur, Jennifer Chandler has been writing about food and dining for more than 25 years.
She is the author of four cookbooks: “The Southern Pantry Cookbook,” “Simply Salads,” “Simply Suppers,” and “Simply Grilling.” While she boasts a degree from Le Cordon Bleu, this Memphis native is about making real food accessible for real families.
Comments
Want to comment on our stories? If you’re a subscriber, scroll down to the comments. If you’re not a subscriber, only paid subscribers can add their thoughts, so subscribe now. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.