Our Story
Family Tradition
Since 1943, our family has been serving Idaho families what has become the single most popular food item at our State’s largest Fairs and Festivals. Not just a corn dog, our Pronto Pup has always been made to the same exacting standards that Lorin and Evelyn Peterson insisted upon.
We begin with the finest Idaho-made all-beef wieners, coat them in our delicious crispy batter, and then fresh-dip them in our premium cooking oil. Served “hot-to-order,” every “Pup” is then hand-brushed, if you like, with our traditional thick prepared mustard.
Thank you for continuing to allow our family to serve you, our neighbors, for over 81 years and counting, at all of these very Special Events.
-The Peterson Family
1941
The Invention
In 1941, while living in Portland, Oregon, a neighbor of Lorin & Evelyn Peterson came up with a very unique creation that would come to be known as the Pronto Pup. This innovative take on the classic hot dog, placed on a stick, coated in a uniquely savory cornmeal based batter and then deep fried, quickly captured the hearts of many. Motivated by its burgeoning popularity, the Petersons decided to open a shop in the Bremerton shipyards in Washington, followed by a Pronto Pup shop on Main Street in Boise next door to the Egyptian theater, before appearing for their first time at the Western Idaho Fair in Boise, laying the foundation for what would become a beloved family enterprise.
1943
The First Booth
In 1943, the Petersons established their inaugural Pronto Pup booths at the Idaho Fairs with a very small staff. Lorin & Evelyn Peterson both, until their passing at the ages of 83 and 97 respectively, remained significant figures in the family enterprise, continuing to guide and support the Pronto Pup operations. Their combined vision and commitment helped to shape the business’s core values and its family-centric culture.
1943
Navy Shipyard Operation
An especially notable chapter in our history occurred when we took our Pronto Pups and set up shop in the Bremerton shipyards near Seattle. During this brief period, the business boasted the largest standing meat order in the Seattle area, second only to the Navy itself! This era served to highlight Pronto Pups’ growing popularity.
1953
Expansion to Trailers
A decade later in 1953, the business saw significant growth as the Petersons transitioned from simple booths to more versatile trailers. This shift not only allowed for expanded operations but also enabled them to serve a wide array of events, broadening their reach and solidifying their presence across Idaho in those early days.
1940's-TODAY
On the Road
As the years passed, the Petersons would travel the State bringing their Pronto Pup trailers to a variety of Fairs and Festivals across Idaho. Events like the Western Idaho Fair, the Eastern Idaho State Fair, the Twin Falls County Fair in Filer, the Boise River Festival, and Boise’s Art in the Park. Today you will find their traditional “Pronto Pups” at the Canyon County Fair, the Western Idaho Fair, the Eastern Idaho State Fair and the Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park.
More Than Pups!
In addition to our famous Pronto Pups, over 30 years ago our family expanded our offerings to include our freshly squeezed “State Fair Lemonade” brand. This addition quickly became popular, in no small way, due to the fact that our guests had grown to trust us to deliver an outstanding product. Like the Pronto Pup, our State Fair Lemonade is a testament to our commitment to quality, to creating traditions, and to genuinely caring about contributing to the simple pleasures of a day at the Fair!
State Fair Lemonades
There’s something special about enjoying an ice-cold State Fair Lemonade on a warm day at the Fair.
It's The Mustard!
At Pronto Pups, we believe that it’s not just about the “Pup” but it’s about the Mustard too! Our carefully crafted mustard is more than just a condiment; it’s an essential part of the Pronto Pup experience. We have only used 3 different brands of Mustard in our 81 year history. We stopped using one of them only because they quit making it! Our mustard has always been carefully chosen for it’s flavor profile and for the ability to add that extra “Pop” to our “Pup”! Whether painted on as a single “Stripe” or “Smothered” all around… our mustard turns a Pronto Pup into a Fair-time memory.
Order Your Pup Your Way
We recognize individual tastes and preferences vary. But we lean toward “Smothered”! You can order your Pups Smothered, Striped, or even Plain. Ask for “Smothered” and we will coat the entire Pup all around, in our signature mustard. For the “Striped” crowd it’s a thick stripe down one side, or if you prefer your Pronto Pups with no distractions then it will be straight up Plain for you! While we do offer ketchup, our hearts—and taste buds—belong unwaveringly to our famous mustard. Trust us, it’s the way a Pronto Pup was meant to be enjoyed!
