A business that authorizes an individual to use its trademarks, associated brands, and other proprietary knowledge for which it charges a certain annual franchising fee along with a portion of its profits. That business offers its franchise with a consideration to increase its market share or increase its geographical presence at a low cost.
Headquartered in Reykjavík, Iceland; Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is one among those franchisors. Founded in 1937, it is a renowned HotDog slinger currently headed by Baldur Ingi Halldórsson(4th generation) and Guðrún Kristmundsdóttir( 3rdgeneration) of the founder Jón Sveinsson.
According to Baldur, the hot dogs were made out of lamb meat which gives a unique taste to their product. Then, through the years, the company in collaboration with SS made the hot dogs better and better, and creates one of the best hot dogs in the world. As per Baldur’s words, among famous people who have eaten at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur are, Bill Clinton, the Former President of the United States, James Hetfield of Metallica, and the Kardashian sisters had their birthday party song sang for them outside company’s stand in 2016.
Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur operates 5 locations in Reykjavík, and from many years, their downtown location has been the most likely busiest food place in Iceland. In August 2006, the British newspaper ’The Guardian’ selected Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur as the best hot dog stand in Europe.
Specialty of Product and Service
The company’s hotdog consist of lamb meat with breads as soft as the clouds along with special brown mustard, remoulade (addition of mayo with relish), ketchup made out of apples raw, and fried onions. Their slingers serve this hotdog within 10 seconds. Taste, quality and service are taken as the strength at their franchisees. They take it so seriously that if any customer is not happy with their hot dog, they provide a new one.
Growth in Business Generation to Generation
Guðrún is the second generation and Baldur’s mother is the third generation in family lineup. First generation was Jón Sveinsson who was Baldur’s great grandfather. The company has been in the same family the whole time and was founded and started as work for Baldur’s sick great grandfather who could not be a sailor due to having cancer.
The grandfather of Baldur, as the second generation, mastered the product with the breads and condiments. The breads he mastered and added more condiments like mayo with relish, and fried onions. That finished in the late 70’s with remoulade. He also custom made the cooking equipment which is a big part of how the hot dogs stay so good.
After which, Baldur’s mother, as the third generation, took over and initiated the first location outside the starting local in 1998, and grew two more locations in the following years. She also started making the business known in tourist magazines abroad and got the trend going that makes the company’s down town location iconic for its long queues.
Later then, as the fourth generation, Baldur took over and expanded two more locations and modernized the company as in getting it out of the heads of him and his mother. Kept going the great reputation, the company has in the hearts and minds of Icelanders. The company has grown a lot due to increased sales in Iceland tourist boom. Now they are at the end of modernizing the company and are ready to grow further. Along with the growth, their aim, goal, vision, and mission, is to offer the best hot dog at a good price with great service.
Family of Employees
From the last inception of the company most of the family members have contributed in the progression of the Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur. Therefore, Baldur considers Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur as a family. His company employed most of the family at some point in their lives and keep staff very well. He has 3 employees with over 45 years of working with the company. He believes that good staff is the backbone of offering quality product and good service. At Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, they train their staff well and empathize that they are a service company having great hot dogs ready at a moment notice for people passing by. Baldur states that, “Well trained staff, consistent product and great service is what make our hot dogs the best!”
A Satisfied Clientele
“Five star outdoor hot dog stand. Nothing fancy, no frills. But a very tasty and ’hot dog’ on a cold day. The hot dogs hear are made with lamb and it appears to be as much of a national past-time as in the states. They love smothering them with sauces and also put something crunchy underneath the hot dog in the bun. (Something like French fried onion rings) Don’t know but don’t care. They were yummy and filling. Well worth the wait and line to get them. A must do while in Reykjavic. Also the vendor took care of the homeless. He provided 3 homeless people and 1 dog with free hot dogs. Nice to see, people are taking care of people. I offered to purchase the homeless group a hot dog but they declined, stating the vendor would give them for free, which he did. Amazing! So really a 4 star food experience but they got the fifth star as a bonus for compassion and humanity.” – Todd C., Westfield, Massachusetts
“Not something I thought I would find to be popular in Iceland, but, man, they like their hot dogs. They’re different from the American style, but they are good and worth a visit! The line can be long, but they are quick and you won’t be disappointed!” – Madhawk, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
“This hotdog was super good. The toppings were delicious and the bun was perfect. The hotdog was very tasty. The stand is very busy. Definitely, worth a stop for a quick bite.” – Mlowinski, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida