Even with the Los Angeles Dodgers completing a renovation of center field at Dodger Stadium, visiting Chavez Ravine in 2021 offers much of the same feeling as it did when the ballpark first opened in 1962.
That was a focal point for Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten, along with executive vice president of planning and development Janet Marie Smith, throughout the renovation process as they both emphasized a priority to preserve the picturesque background that has become synonymous with Dodger Stadium.
Of course, just as much a part of the Dodgers’ home stadium is the famed Dodger Dog. For decades it has been produced by Farmer John and sold in the millions each season. Its popularity led to Farmer John selling packages of Dodger Dogs at grocery markets so fans could enjoy them from home as well.
While the Dodger Dog is still being offered this season, Farmer John no longer is the supplier, per Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
Smithfield Foods, the parent company of Farmer John, issued a statement to The Times that read in part: “Farmer John had a long-standing and valued relationship with the Dodgers. After the 2019 season, Farmer John made the difficult business decision not to renew its contract with the Dodgers. … Unfortunately, through the latest contract negotiations, we were unable to come to an agreement that was beneficial for both parties.”
Kasten noted the change was met by the Dodgers ensuring the change from Farmer John did not lead to a new-tasting Dodger Dog:
The team’s first priority, he said, had been “an elaborate process” in which taste testers could ensure that a new recipe for a stadium dog would result in a hot dog tasting pretty much like the old, familiar one.
That is the one now sold as the “Traditional Dodger Dog,” or simply as the “Dodger Dog.”
“This was as close as they could imagine to what people were used to,” Kasten said. “It’s a Dodger Dog through and through.”
The Dodgers have not yet announced who their current hot dog supplier is. To most, the only noticeable difference is Farmer John signage being stripped from menus at concession stands, and they are no longer permitted to produce or sell Dodger Dogs due to the Dodgers holding the trademark.
Dodger Stadium food
Still operating at a reduced capacity because of health protocols, the Dodgers haven’t fully opened in terms of concession stands within the stadium. They did provide fans with more offerings for the current homestand, including Bao and Bowls in center field, and Lil’ Sweet Chick on the field level.
Kasten said the new Shake Shack location would be opened soon.
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