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Jerk Chicken And Pork Sets Up Shop At Former Swanky Franks Site In Norwalk

NORWALK, Conn. — After more than six decades in business, the Original Swanky Franks in Norwalk closed its doors for good in May. 

Brightly colored signs for a new eatery — Jerk Chicken and Pork — fill the facade of the former Swanky Franks in Norwalk.

Brightly colored signs for a new eatery — Jerk Chicken and Pork — fill the facade of the former Swanky Franks in Norwalk.

Photo Credit: Contributed
The Original Swanky Franks is closed after over six decades of dishing up delicious hot dogs in Norwalk.

The Original Swanky Franks is closed after over six decades of dishing up delicious hot dogs in Norwalk.

Photo Credit: The Original Swanky Franks/Facebook

In December, the beloved old diner was sporting signs for a new business — Jerk Chicken and Pork. The brightly colored signs showed it will be another quirky roadside landmark. (See the photo above.)

The location is on Connecticut Avenue, right off Exit 14 of Interstate 95.

Hot dog fans mourned the closure of the Original Swanky Franks.

"They say that all good things must come to an end ... After 60+ years in the city of Norwalk, and in our family ... the Renzuella/ Satterfield family have decided to close the doors of The Original Swanky Franks ... the sign on the door says it all," says a post on the diner's Facebook page

(And the sign on the door does say it — see the second photo above.) 

After the Swanky Frank's closure was announced in May on Facebook, over 200 people posted comments and 500 people shared the news. 

"Such great memories and great food. My husband brought me here when we were dating and we'll be married 40 years next year," said one Facebook post. "Great memories of bringing our son here too! We will all miss Swanky Franks and wish the Family well."

Another post said, "Say this isn't so! Good luck and health as you all enter the next chapter of your journey. You will be missed not only for your food but as one of the symbols of Norwalk."

The Original Swanky Franks owns a bit of Daily Voice history as well. It snagged top honors in our "DVlicious Hot Dog Contest" for best in Fairfield County. The Norwalk eatery won with 48 percent of the vote in an often-tight race that pitted it against five other contenders.

At the time, readers praised the "unrepentant roadside dive for its Americana-on-a-bun served grilled or fried until crackly and dark." The Original Swanky Franks served up Boar’s Head dogs as well as “red hots,” which are spicy sausages. It had been around since 1947, "but its plain and simple ambiance and service with a smile remains the same," the Daily Voice said last year.

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