The Original Weenie Truck – 1973 GMC

From the story “Diners” by John Baeder

The Super Duper Weenie Truck was originally owned by Robert Sturner, who currently resides in Carlsbad, California. Sturner sold the truck to Neil Farans, who operated a Texaco station in Norwalk, Connecticut. Neil called me one day asking how he could sell the truck, and I gave him advice. But the truck sat for a few more years, getting bedraggled at the station, until a savior came along and purchased the truck in February 1992. His name was Gary Zemola.

A month later, Gary called me and introduced himself as the new owner. Gary’s excitement, immense enthusiasm, and sweet sincerity (not to mention his high energy) captured my attention. I listened eagerly to his story about the wagon purchase. Gary had seen the painting in the original 1978 edition of “Diners” and went in search of the truck. Deep in his heart , he knew it was somewhere to be found. Like an archaeologist on a dig, Gary discovered it. He breathed new life into it, restoring it inside and out. Using my painting as a guide, he took it to the paint shop and then to the sign shop. When it was completed to his satisfaction, Gary and the Super Duper Weenie Truck began operations.

For the next seven years, Gary operated the truck seasonally from different locations in and around Fairfield, Connecticut. By the seventh year, the popularity outgrew the capacity of the truck and in 1999 the permanent location of Super Duper Weenie was opened at 306 Black Rock Tpke in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The original Weenie Truck would undergo a second complete restoration in 2008. After over a year of work the truck was updated with a new kitchen, paint and graphics, and a custom made engine.