A Burst Pipe Couldn’t Stop Him: Dan DeMiglio’s 1950 Originals Makes a Miracle Return to Westwood
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, for Dan DeMiglio, owner of the acclaimed 1950 Originals in Westwood, NJ, a broken pipe felt like a haunting case of déjà vu. Years ago, a similar plumbing disaster contributed to the closure of his previous restaurant. When a pipe burst in his 94-year-old iconic diner building this past October, DeMiglio feared the “American Dream” was finally slipping away.
“I was days away from walking away completely,” DeMiglio admitted.
But after a grueling three-month hiatus, the North Jersey staple—and winner of Bergen Magazine’s 2025 “Best Hot Dog” award—is officially back in business.
A Legacy Under Pressure
Located at 325 Broadway, the site of the former Jack’s Café, 1950 Originals is more than just a restaurant; it’s a tribute to a legacy. The name honors Callahan’s, the legendary Fort Lee hot dog institution started by DeMiglio’s grandfather in 1950.
Since opening in 2023, the shop has become a viral sensation for its “experimental frankfurter cuisine.” Fans travel from all over the tri-state area for:
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The Candied Bacon Peanut Butter Dog
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The Hot Honey Pimento Cheese Dog
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The Famous Ramen-Covered Wiener
The Road to Recovery
The shutdown, which began on Oct. 22, was a financial nightmare. Between insurance delays and the closure of a second location in Westfield, the future looked grim.
The turning point came when landlords Arthur Kheyman and Abigail Polizois stepped in to cover the costs of the pipe repair. Their generosity allowed the restaurant to reopen its doors on January 24, much to the delight of the Westwood community.
“Just to feel that people missed us that much after we’ve been closed for that many months, it meant a lot,” DeMiglio said, recalling the emotional moment he stepped into the back of the kitchen to shed tears of gratitude on opening day.
Why Westwood Loves 1950 Originals
Despite a history of challenges—including a near-fatal car accident in 2009 and the pandemic-era closure of his Norwood shop—DeMiglio remains a pillar of the North Jersey food scene. His resilience, combined with the community’s unwavering support, has ensured that the “iconic building” remains a vibrant part of the downtown streetscape.
As Abigail Polizois put it: “When challenges arise, we believe in stepping in to help keep hardworking local businesses on their feet.”
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Debbie Celentano
I really hope it’s the original. I went last year to Westwood and the hot dog was NOT the same. I asked what happened! They explained political reasons in the family. I did Not like the hot dogs because they were Not the same! Excited about this and do plan on going and trying again. They were Always the best in my book!
Thank you
Deborah A Celentano
Hi Deborah! As the grandson of Callahan’s, this isn’t just a business to me it’s bloodline, legacy, and pride. I grew up in this story. I carry my grandfather’s name and the responsibility that comes with it every single day I unlock those doors. I was days away from permanently closing. Days. That’s how real it got. To now be back open isn’t something I take lightly. It’s a second chance that I refuse to waste. If you had a bad experience in the past, I hear you. I own that. And I genuinely want the opportunity to make it right. This chapter is about accountability, pride, and doing things the way my grandfather would have wanted with integrity, consistency, and heart. I have a brand new team and it’s just myself. The management team no longer exists. A lot of artifacts from Callahan’s are inside this location. Please email me directly as I would love to treat you to your next meal and speak to you. Hopefully you’ll take me up on my offer!