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The former co-owner of the The Wiener’s Circle, Chicago’s iconic and controversial late-night hot dog stand, has died. Barry Nemerow, who also co-owned the two Red Hot Ranch locations, died on Wednesday, his business partner Jeff Greenfield confirmed.
Greenfield called Nemerow a "dear friend." The news was too fresh and he declined further comment. Nemerow died at 11:22 a.m. on Wednesday. He was 60.
Nemerow sold his stakes in the 34-year-old Wiener’s Circle in September 2015. Nemerow also owned 35th Street Red Hots in the South Side, but his Lincoln Park hot dog stand and its unique and sometimes rude service was what gave him notoriety. That led to a 2012 reality TV show about the Wiener’s Circle where Nemerow made appearances.
When they opened the second Red Hot Ranch on Ashland, Nemerow and Greenfield sought to give Chicago a burger comparable to beloved California chain In-N-Out.
Services are planned for 11 a.m. on Friday at Chicago Jewish Funerals in Skokie.
