Story of Charles Feltman

Charles Feltman (1841–1910) was a real German-born Brooklyn baker whose life helped reshape American food culture. Arriving in New York as a young immigrant, he began humbly on the sands of Coney Island, selling baked goods to day trippers from a simple pushcart. Ever the innovator, Feltman sought a way to serve food that people could easily enjoy while strolling along the beach. In 1867, he placed a Frankfurter sausage in a soft bun, creating what became known as the world’s first hot dog, an invention that would eventually become an American icon. 

From this small idea grew an empire. Feltman expanded from his cart into a series of seaside stands and ultimately built Feltman’s Ocean Pavilion, a sprawling restaurant complex that became a Coney Island landmark. At its height it was billed as the largest restaurant in the world, capable of serving thousands at a time. Feltman’s helped define Coney Island as the “Playground of the World,” drawing visitors from every corner of the country eager to sample the novelty of a hot sausage in a bun, served within sight of the sea.

Though the vast empire gradually faded after his death, Feltman’s creation endured. The hot dog became woven into the fabric of American life, from street carts and ballparks to backyard cookouts, a lasting testament to his simple but brilliant idea. Today, Charles Feltman is remembered not only as the father of the hot dog but as a pioneering immigrant whose ingenuity helped transform a beachside resort into a symbol of summertime, leisure, and New York history.