Eating Rye is an occasional feature to meet the chefs and other professionals in the restaurants and kitchens across Rye and nearby communities. When you dine-in, pick-up or call for delivery, these are the folks working hard for you, your friends & family, and your taste buds.
Today, you will meet Gene Christian Baca. He is the owner and operator of Walter’s Hot Dogs in Mamaroneck. Founded in 1919, Walter’s is a family-owned, longtime community staple.
Your Name: Gene Christian Baca
Role: Co-owner and Operator of Walter’s Hot Dogs
Restaurant: Walter’s Hot Dogs (937 Palmer Ave, Mamaroneck, NY)
MyRye.com: Describe yourself in one word.
Baca: Loyal
How long have you been an owner of Walter’s?
Baca: Since 2013
Previously, where did you work?
Baca: I had my own sales and marketing company. I worked with Fortune 500 companies that wanted marketing and sales campaigns created, and myself and my company would help establish those.
What and when was your first paid job?
Baca: I was 13, it was for a local video store in Cortlandt Manor, New York.
Describe your path to becoming an owner.
Baca: Walter’s was founded by my great grandfather. His name is Walter Warrington. I’m part of the third and fourth generation of family members that own and operate Walters hot dogs as an overall brand. I went to college, I went to grad school for my MBA, I worked. I started my company, and traveled all over the US, I had employees all over the country, then in 2013 I left my business. I’d been living in Maryland at the time, and I moved back to New York. The owner of Walter’s at the time was my grandfather, Gene, who was Walter’s son, and one of the owners for almost 65 years at that point in time, and he wanted other family members to start getting involved and try to grow the business, and that’s exactly what we did.
Describe your restaurant’s clientele.
Baca: It’s food lovers of all ages. We have over five generations of customers who enjoy our food, especially our one of a kind hot dogs.
Describe the atmosphere of your restaurant.
Baca: Walter’s is really about the memories that are created here. Any day you come here, you’ll see grandparents with their grandkids. You’ll see people on dates. You’ll see parents with their kids. It’s really a place where people can come and enjoy food, and also create special memories.
Describe the physical attributes of your restaurant.
Baca: Our flagship restaurant is at 937 Palmer Avenue in Mamaroneck, New York. The pagoda people see here today was built in 1928 and is a historic landmark in the US. My great grandfather, Walter, wanted to create a roadside stand that would look like no other. It’s a Chinese pagoda, which is all original, the building itself, the roof, everything that you see is original. He was fascinated by this style of architecture. It’s really one of a kind, he wanted a building that would match his product’s own uniqueness.
Match a recommended meal with each season.
Warm summer evening
Baca: A Watermelon Freeze. It’s our homemade watermelon Italian ice blended with seltzer so that it’s extra refreshing on a hot day.
Crisp fall afternoon
Baca: Our Puffy Dog, it’s our signature Walter’s hot dog topped with grilled and smashed potato puffs, with a side of Curly Fries and a Chocolate Milkshake.
Cold winter day
Baca: A Big Walt with a side of our New England Clam Chowder soup, and a Hot Chocolate Float.
Muddy wet spring night
Baca: Our Double Dog, I would have that with french fries and a mixed berry freeze.
What is your favorite dish on the menu and why?
Baca: My personal favorite is, obviously, our signature Walter’s hot dog. It’s what I’ve known my whole life. It’s our single dog with our homemade mustard on top. So that’s my go to.
What’s the most underrated day of the week and time of day to enjoy your restaurant?
Baca: 4pm on a Thursday.
Thanks Gene!
