Iconic Tampa Restaurant Gives Update About Its Future

Mel's Hot Dogs has new owners and they spoke about what the future of the restaurant will be. Mel Lohn started up Mel's in 1973 but decided to sell it. Pam Szabo and five members of her family bought the restaurant. They plan to keep things just the way they are. Szabo told FOX 13, "We're not going to change a thing."

They're planning to open on Sundays starting November 5th. They are also adding ice cream and more kinds of beer to the menu. The Szabo's purchased the restaurant from Mel for $435,000.

Before the Szabo's came forward with an offer other offers came in. Mel was offered by restaurant chains, but he didn't want to sell to them. Mel says, "The first thing I thought was they're going to do what restaurant chains do, they're going to start squeezing, bringing in a cheaper hot dog, water down the cokes, and when these people showed up and didn't want to change a thing, I fell in love."

The Szabo's have been coming to Mel's since they were kids. They would spend the day at Busch Gardens and stop at Mel's on the way home. Fast forward a few years when they started their family, now they bring their kids to Mel's. It's a sweet story to hear, and we love that they'll be keeping the iconic Tampa restaurant a family-owned business.

Finally, if you love Mel's Hot Dogs be glad that the new owners don't plan to change anything. The new owners plan to keep many long-serving employees as well.

Mel's is located on Busch Boulevard right next to Busch Gardens in Tampa.

Last year we told you about the best Florida spots Guy Fieri visited for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Now we were wondering what new spots should the Mayor of Flavortown visit on his next trip to Florida for Triple D? We asked our listeners on social media what they thought and these were the most popular responses.

Whether you love to cook or not, it’s entertaining to see all of the local places get a national spotlight. So far, 81 Florida restaurants have been featured on Guy Fieri’s show and 15 of them are in the Tampa Bay area or a quick drive to Orlando. If you want to see a list of ALL the restaurants featured on the show, TVFoodmaps.com has the full list.

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives has been a staple Food Network show since 2007. 37 seasons and over 450 episodes later, it's one of the most popular Food Network shows out there and still making new episodes! Florida recently got a shoutout on the show on the newest season in March 2023. Guy's most recent trip to the Sunshine State was back in December of 2022. We didn't know it at the time but he visited Big Lee's BBQ in Ocala for what we thought was a normal day. Turns out he was filming for Triple D!

Not only does Guy feature a handful of Florida restaurants on Triple D. He also included a few Florida chefs on his game show Guy's Grocery Games. The chef and owner of one of our favorite food trucks made it on the competition TWICE. He's also featured chefs from Miami and Spring Hill!

Skipper's Smokehouse is a Tampa staple. You truly can't call yourself a local unless you've been here. They've been in business since 1980. Skipper's has been mentioned on other Food Network shows like Man vs Food Nation and Adam Richman's Best Sandwich. But we think Guy will love their menu!

From the outside, it looks like your average, hole in the wall diner. But the menu will keep you coming back for more. They serve everything you can think of from pizza, burgers, and all kinds of entrees. But the star of the show is the French Toast burger. We just think Guy will love this one!

Any Tampaian will tell you that Fo'Cheezy Twisted Meltz is one of (if not the) best food truck in the Tampa area! With more and more locations popping up each day, including 3 spots inside Tropicana Field, Guy should definitely consider paying a visit during his next FL trip.

If you're looking for some authentic greek food, Tarpon Springs is the place to go. You know Katerina's Taverna & Grill is the real deal because their entire menu is written in Greek.

It's hard to find a true authentic cheesesteak that's not Delco's. Many listeners told us to try Richie's Cheesesteak in Spring Hill and would be a perfect spot for Guy to visit!

The Shrimp Co has been a Tampa staple since 2009. They offer fresh seafood flavors and blends are inspired by Caribbean flavors and New Orleans Cajun spices.

If Guy ever makes it out to the Brandon area, our listeners tell us that he NEEDS to try Stein & Vine. One look at the menu will tell you everything you need to know. We bet he would love the Chicago Wagyu Dogs, Bayou Gator Tenderloin Po-Boy and the Farmers Ragu.

Across the bridge to Madeira Beach is The Angry Pepper. We think Guy would love this extensive menu with the best smoked meats and local cuisine.

This food truck based in Spring Hill looks too good for Guy to pass up!

This hole-in-the-wall pizza spot in Dunedin is to die for! They make the LARGEST pie in Tampa Bay and have weekly creative specials that are a MUST try! (So far our favorites are the crab rangoon pie and the Chick-Fil-A pie).

Tibby's brings that New Orleans flavor to the Sunshine State. We think Guy would LOVE their specials menu, especially the catfish and cheddar grits.

Located in St. Pete, this hidden gem has some of the best specialty burgers out there!

We know the Boozy Pig is technically a Butchery, not a diner. But we think it's totally worth the trip for Guy. Seriously some of the best meat we've ever tried and their Cuban sandwich is one of the bests we've had!