About

Back in June of 1951, Dan Sullivan, Sr. opened the stand for the first time offering quality food at reasonable prices and for four generations our philosophy has remained the same. Whether you make us part of your daily constitutional around the Island or are visiting us for the first time-welcome and thanks for being part of the tradition!

The top 3 most common questions heard for the last 60 years:

1) When are you open?

We are open from the last weekend in February to the last weekend in November. Seven days a week (except for St. Patrick’s Day Parade day, Easter and Thanksgiving). We open daily starting at 8:30 a.m. Normally we close around 10:00 p.m. on those hot summer nights when you just need to get out of the house and catch the sea breeze. When in doubt, follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/sullydogs

2) What is the deal with the line out the door?

Be not afraid-it moves fast! If you see the line stretching out of the building on a hot summer day, rest assured we are hustling inside to get you your food. We have five registers on the right. Once you are called to the register, place your order, remember your order number and move to the far left where you can grab your ketchup, straws and napkins. Food comes out quick-but proper etiquette is not hovering dead center at the counter if others are waiting for their food too. If it is a frozen yogurt or ice cream that you’re after, it is handed to you at the register. We take pride in serving high-quality food; if something didn’t meet your expectations please let us know!

3) How do you cook the hot dogs?

Our dogs and burgers are grilled on a stainless steel grill. Our dogs are all natural casing made especially for us by Kayem, that is how they earned the name ‘Sully’s snap dogs.’ The bun is tossed naked onto a large flat toaster for just the right toasty-smooshed goodness. For all of you newbies a hot dog ‘all around’ is a dog with mustard, relish and onion.

Did you know…?

Our customer appreciation weeks are legendary.

Back in the day, when Dan Sr. was running things he would quietly hand out ‘cocktails’ (a.k.a. hard liquor) to customers during the last week in November as a way of celebrating the season and saying thank you. Dan Jr. put the kibosh on that in the 70’s. As a replacement, he offered half price hot dogs during the closing weeks. We happily carry on the tradition-on opening weekend and the entire month of November we offer half price hot dogs.

Sullivan's Time Line

1951 Dan Sullivan, Sr. opens the ‘concession stand’ for the first time-an aluminum shack with drop down shutters. Hot dogs cost 15 cents.
1963 Sullivan’s second building erected. The cinderblock building stood for over 25 years. Hot dogs cost 35 cents.
1976 Bicentennial Celebration with Tall Ships parade of sail. Hot dogs cost 50 cents.
1980 Parade of Tall Ships for Boston’s 350th birthday. Hot dogs cost 80 cents.
1989 Current brick building is constructed. The façade is a replica of the Commandant’s House built in 1807.
1992 Tall Ships arrive again, Castle Island takes center stage. Hot dogs cost $1.15.
2010 Sullivan’s celebrates its 60th season in Southie. Hot dogs cost $1.60.

Manager Spotlight

Jim Barron, Jr.

2010 is Jim’s 44th season at Sully’s. It is his 40th season as a manager!

His mother, Mary, worked at the stand from 1960 through the 1970’s and when his father, Jim Sr., retired from the railroad he worked here from 1985-1992. Everyone called him “Dad”. If Sully’s is an institution, Jim is our cornerstone...

“I am most proud of managing literally 1,000s of people through the years. For most, this was their first job and they have moved on to accomplish great things. I have worked with all three generations of Sullivan owners and I am also proud of the quality and continuity throughout the years. I have enjoyed all of the customers that I have gotten to know on a first name basis.”

What is your favorite memory? “My very favorite memory was during the bicentennial in 1976 when we stayed open for 72 straight hours for the Parade of Tall Ships. We had anyone we knew come work at the stand just to keep up with the crowds that had camped out.”

Phrase: When ever a customer asks for jimmies (a.k.a. sprinkles) on the their ice cream Jim says “Sorry, Jimmy is on vacation”. Usually the customer walks away with a perplexed look. FYI: Sullivan’s doesn’t put jimmies on ice cream.

Jim Barron, Sr. in 1989

Sullivan's Castle Island, South Boston, MA, Est. 1951