East Valley residents might know Randy Walters as the owner of Pittsburgh Willie's, the hot dog spot inside Chandler's Merchant Square Antique Mall. That shop closed its doors last month after a five-year run, but don't fret, because as we told you in July, Walters has plans to open a new hot dog-centric restaurant just two miles away from the original spot. The new restaurant will be called Pittsburgh Willy's Dog House and should be open in the next few weeks.
In the meantime, Walters has been busy opening yet another restaurant.
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Wimpy's Paradise -- which specializes in old-fashioned burgers and ice cream -- opened its doors at 48 South San Marcos Place in Chandler on Friday, February 14.
Wimpy's takes its name from a restaurant started by Walter's father, Ken, in 1939. Walters' father had two locations of Wimpy's by 1942, but he lost both when he went to the Army during World War II. Now Randy has brought his father's restaurant back to life in the heart of downtown Chandler.
For now, Wimpy's is serving a limited menu that includes a Wimpy's Original Burger, which comes with either a half- or third-pound patty and allows diners to choose a sesame, pretzel, or egg roll bun. There'a also a Dirty Burger that features the no-bean chilli made popular at Pittsburgh Willy's.
They expect to be able to add a few more items, including a marinated portabello mushroom burger on an herb focaccia roll and a Wimpy's Reuben sandwich by later this week.
And since Pittsburgh Willy's Hot Dog House isn't open yet, Wimpy's will let fans get their dog fix by offering three hot dogs from the Pittburgh Willy's menu. Those options include a chilli cheese dog, the Freddie G, and the Big Willie. Once PIttburgh Willy's Hot Dog House opens -- hopefully by mid-March -- you'll be able to get the full menu there and Wimpy's will focus on burgers and sandwiches.
On the sweet side, you'll find a selection of Thrifty brand ice cream served in milkshakes, sundaes, cones, and floats.
Wimpy's Paradise 48 South San Marcos Place, Chandler 480-821-3197 www.facebook.com/Wimpysparadise
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
