Vienna® Beef Company History Timeline From the moment Emil Reichel and Sam Ladany gave Chicago its first taste of Vienna, we've been making hot dog history. To travel back in time with us, travel down the time line and share some of our milestones. Enjoy! 1893 Over 27 million people flock to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago to witness the latest inventions, including the Vienna Chicago-style hot dog, created by Austria-Hungarian immigrants Emil Reichel and Sam Ladany. 1894 Emil and Sam open their first store on Chicagos Near West Side at 417 S. Halsted Ave. 1900 The city clamors for more! So Vienna begins marketing and selling its famous products to other stores and restaurants around Chicago.1908 Horse-drawn carriages deliver Vienna products across the Chicago area as demand gallops along. 1913 Chicago is growing fast, and so is Vienna. The company expands its operations to meet demand. 1928 Vienna goes into high gear, retiring its horses for a state-of-the-art motorized fleet.1933 The Great Depression is raging, but Chicagoans can still enjoy a delicious, filling meal on a bun for only a nickel, thanks to Vienna hot dog carts.