News Of Hot Dog Stand's Closing Prompts First-World Freakouts Of The Worst Kind

In what's been dubbed an "encased meat emergency," the owner of one of Chicago's most beloved hot dog restaurants announced Tuesday that his shop will close -- for good -- this fall.



Hot Doug's owner Doug Sohn confirmed to the Chicago Tribune's Kevin Pang Tuesday that his popular eatery -- known for their delicious dogs and duck-fat fries and the massive lines of diners they attract -- will be closed for good come Oct. 4, when his "permanent vacation" begins.



"For me it's time," Sohn told DNAinfo Chicago. "There really is no overwhelming reason other than it's time to go do something else. ... The plan is not to own a restaurant anymore."



Sohn also took to Twitter to confirm the news, specifically addressing the restaurant's tradition of offering free hot dogs to anyone sporting a Hot Doug's tattoo. Obviously, now is not the best time to get the ink -- if you're only in it for the free food, that is.

My friends, we'll serve our last encased meats 10/3. We thank you for your support & suggest you don’t get a Hot Doug's tattoo any time soon

— Hot Doug's (@hotdougs) May 6, 2014

As expected in a town that takes hot dogs as seriously as Chicago does, Windy City foodies did not take the news well. We rounded up some of the most hyperbolic, frequently all-caps (and occasionally expletive-laden) reactions:

And a collective Noooooooooooooooo echoes across Chicago as people learn Hot Doug's is closing http://ift.tt/1myJwNk

— Dan Ruch (@djruch10) May 6, 2014

@jcrutchmer In case you were worried there was a kind and loving God somewhere, fear not. http://t.co/I5qoKOA0om

— Brian Byrne (@Brianbyrne) May 6, 2014

Hot Doug's announcing they are closing has just rocked my Tuesday and I can't take it. NOT WHAT I NEED RIGHT NOW

— Ricky Winterborn (@bfetridge) May 6, 2014

Amidst screams, a single rose falls into a puddle in slow motion- Hot Doug's Closing Permanently Oct. 3: http://t.co/JsCBrMUUww @DNAinfoCHI

— Jonathan Hogan (@jghogan) May 6, 2014

A world without Hot Doug's is a sad and different sort of world. http://t.co/nWQiaAkOLu

— Carey Jones (@careyjones) May 6, 2014

Hot Doug's is closing??? Fucking kill me. Seriously. I just lost one of my three remaining reasons to live. Game over, man.

— Jim Andresen (@JimAndresen) May 6, 2014

Hot Doug's is going to close permanently on October 3rd. This is the worst day of my life. http://t.co/ZegQVg0PpM

— Erin Gloria Ryan (@morninggloria) May 6, 2014

Hot Doug's is closing this year. I'm speechless and sad.

— внимание (@theBGrass) May 6, 2014

There are no four sadder words in the English language than "Hot Doug's is closing," my friend.



http://t.co/T6yvRlpzlI

— Sandor Weisz (@santheo) May 6, 2014

I'm sorry that Hot Doug's has ruined everyone's life.

— dulce calor (@dulcecalor) May 6, 2014

/hyperventilating

Hot DOUG'S...is NOT...CLOSING...NOT........CLOSING.

/softly crying

http://t.co/W9SNuYejwd

— Brian Morrissey (@brianfmorrissey) May 6, 2014

Hot Doug's is closing & nothing will ever be the same & I hate change & no & I am having TOO MANY FEELINGS http://t.co/041kxeoC9p

— Helen Rosner (@hels) May 6, 2014

REALLY KICKING MYSELF FOR NOT MAKING IT TO HOT DOUG'S LAST SUMMER. YOU WERE TOO BEAUTIFUL FOR THIS DUMB WORLD

— NORMAN CORE (@matt_T) May 6, 2014

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