Iconic gourmet hot dog spot Hot Doug’s (3324 N. California Ave.), known for its exotic hot dogs and sausages as well as its duck fat fries, is closing. Today is the final day of business for Hot Doug’s, and an announcement on the restaurant’s website states, a “permanent vacation begins on Saturday, Oct. 4.” Hot Doug’s owner Doug Sohn tore himself away from the counter to tell us about his decision to close the “sausage superstore.” Sohn talks about “Hot Doug’s: The Book,” and more.

Revisit Sohn's 2013 appearance on Chicago Tonight.

Loyal patrons camped out Thursday night to be among the last customers to enjoy a dog at Hot Doug's. The overwhelming amount of attendees awaiting entrance prompted the restaurant to close the line before the business opened on its final day. The restaraunt tweeted a statement at 7:36 am to its 20,000 followers saying, "Good morning! Our line, and Hot Doug's in a more general sense, can accommodate no new customers. We love you & we thank you, my friends."

The lucky customers that were able to get there before the cutoff posted videos and photos to social media using the hashtag #hotdougsline.

• View photos from Hot Doug's last customers:

-Courtesy of Paul C

-Courtesy of Adrienne Samuels Gibbs/Chicago Suntimes

-Courtesy of spongerob17

-Courtesy of Mel Livanos

-Courtesy of Krystle