About Us
In 1925, a small neighborhood pool room in Alpha, New Jersey, began a tradition that would last for generations. When Grandma Fencz started serving hot dogs to the men who came to play pool, she couldn't have known she was creating one of the Lehigh Valley area's most beloved local food traditions. Charlie's Pool Room—and a legendary hot dog—was born.
1925 - Where It All Began
Charlie's became much more than a place to shoot pool. It was part pool room, part neighborhood gathering place and part hot dog stand—a place where generations of Alpha families came through the door. From the old candy counter, pool table and video games to the unmistakable aroma of hot dogs cooking, Charlie's developed a character all its own.
The Early Years - More Than a Pool Room
For decades, brothers Joe and John Fencz kept the Charlie's tradition alive. John cooked the hot dogs while Joe made the sauce and welcomed customers. For regulars, a trip to Charlie's wasn't simply about getting something to eat—it was about the stories, the personalities, the nicknames and the feeling that you were part of something uniquely Alpha.
A Local Legend -The Fencz Brothers
At the heart of Charlie's story is the Mealie. Slow-cooked hot dogs, steamed buns, Grandma Fencz's sweet-and-tangy Hungarian onion sauce, fresh onions, hot peppers and a pickle created a combination generations of customers came back for. The recipe—and especially that secret sauce—became part of the Charlie's legend.
The Mealie - A Charlie's Tradition
After nearly a century of memories, Charlie's Pool Room eventually closed its doors. Joe Fencz passed away in 2014, and for years the familiar Alpha landmark sat quiet. But the memories—and the love for Charlie's hot dogs—never disappeared.
An Era Comes to an End
A century after the story began, the doors opened once again. In 2025, the longtime Alpha landmark was given new life as Charlie's Hot Dogs. The name may be new and the space refreshed, but the goal remains simple: honor the history, preserve the traditions and introduce a new generation to the hot dogs that made Charlie's famous.
One hundred years later, the Charlie's story continues.