What Makes Us Bring Back a Special?
At 1950 Originals, monthly specials aren’t just about new menu items — they’re a creative playground for Executive Chef Danny Fabian. Since we opened our doors in the fall of 2023, Chef Danny has crafted specials inspired by everything from childhood nostalgia to global culture. Each dish is a snapshot of a flavor memory or moment in time, and for many of our guests, they’ve become more than just limited-time offerings — they’ve become crave-worthy obsessions.
But while the demand is high, very few of our specials have made repeat appearances. Why?
“I get bored easily,” says Chef Danny. “It has to stay fun — it has to keep growing.”
That said, a few fan favorites have made their return — like the Cod-Zilla Fish Sandwich during Lent, Bangers & Mash in March for St. Patrick’s Day, or the Ramen Resolution Dog every January. These returns aren’t random; they’ve become tradition. They represent themes that work perfectly for the season, and guests have come to wait all year for them.
But here’s the best part: some beloved specials are still on the bench — waiting for the right moment to come back. We’re always listening to your requests. Some will return, and others will stay retired, preserved only in our hearts (and highlight reels). Or… maybe we bring one of those legends back in September? 👀
Most Requested Specials (So Far)
The K-Top Dog
This was our very first special, launched in October 2023. Inspired by the Korean-style corn dog, it made a huge impression with its bold flavor and presentation. It’s been one of the most frequently asked-about items ever since.
The Halo Ube Cheeseburger
Dropped in February 2024, this burger sparked questions from curious customers who saw it playing on our in-store screens. “What’s the purple stuff?” — they’d ask, referring to the ube cheese sauce flowing over the burger, which also featured pineapple relish, banana ketchup, and crispy fried ham chicharrón. Inspired by Filipino flavors and SpongeBob vibes, it became a viral hit.
The Special That Shouldn’t Have Worked… But Did
The Gingersnap Dog, December 2023.
The idea started as a joke — someone in the kitchen suggested “milk and cookies” as a holiday hot dog special. Chef Danny wasn’t convinced… at first. But it sparked a memory of Sauerbraten, a traditional German pot roast made with gingerbread cookie gravy. That idea snowballed into a full-on holiday mashup.
Here’s what made it to the bun:
Deep-fried hot dog
Homemade Sauerbraten gravy (yes, with real Lebkuchen cookies)
Crispy potato pancakes
House-made apple sauerkraut
Sweet cream drizzle
Crumbled cookies for texture and nostalgia
What started as a ridiculous brainstorm became a fan-favorite and an unexpected turning point. If the Gingersnap Dog hadn’t landed, many of the wild specials that followed might’ve never existed.
What Goes Into Creating a Monthly Special?
In Chef Danny’s own words:
“When I’m thinking of what to create for a special, it all depends on what’s in season and what makes sense for that month. But it’s not just about taste — it’s about execution. We’ve got a small kitchen. Every time we create a new special, the team has to learn a new flow, new prep, new timing, and we have to make it consistent across both locations.”
Every special is:
Inspired by a story, emotion, or seasonal theme
Designed to be visually exciting and camera-ready
Developed with prep logistics and kitchen flow in mind
Created to introduce new ingredients, techniques, or flavors
Named and explained in a way that makes guests want to try it
“No matter what it is that you’re doing, it must be with purpose,” Danny says. “Make each ingredient count. Every bite needs to make sense. I want the customer to laugh and smile while they eat.”
So… what’s next?
We might just be bringing back a crowd favorite in September.
But you'll have to stay tuned. 👀
Want to see one of your favorite specials make a comeback? Let us know on social or in-store. We’re always listening.
