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 Only2025 is almost over. Now is the time to support your trusted local news source.
Will you help us reach more Memphians with quality, in-depth local news? Make a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian, a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization, today.
Thank you for keeping up with what’s happening in Memphis. Thank you for investing in our community’s trusted local news source.
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 or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.