Superdawg Says Goodbye to Rooftop Mascots. But They’ll Be Back After a Trip to the ‘SuperSpa’

Patty Wetli | September 4, 2024, 4:43 pm

Superdawg's 12-foot-tall rooftop statues — “Maurie” and “Flaurie” — were removed Wednesday for a little buffing and polishing. (Superdawg / Facebook)

Superdawg nearly sent its fans into a panic on Wednesday when a couple of trucks with cranes showed up at the hot dog stand and started plucking “Maurie” and “Flaurie” off the restaurant’s rooftop.

The 12-foot-tall hot dog statues are more than an homage to Superdawg’s founders, Maurie and Flaurie Berman — they’re unofficial Chicago landmarks.

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Fear not. The mascots are just headed to the “SuperSpa” for a “bit of pampering and a little glow up,” Superdawg posted on social media.

“For 76 years — their blinking eyes a beacon leading hungry travelers to Milwaukee and Devon — Maurie and Flaurie have stood a stoic watch with little respite from the elements. After all that time, we figured they’ve earned a rest,” Superdawg said.

Fans commented with relief.

“Thanks for explaining because my heart sunk when I was scrolling and came upon this!” wrote one devotee.

Don’t worry though, they’ll be back looking better than ever and, in a few weeks, we’ll celebrate their momentous return pic.twitter.com/7BlyI10DTA

— Superdawg Chicago (@Superdawg) September 4, 2024

The Bermans founded Superdawg in 1948, never imagining it would become an institution. When it all started, Superdawg was just meant to be a summer business to help the couple pay for college.

“Our parents were high school sweethearts,” the Bermans’ youngest child, Lisa Drucker, told WTTW News in 2023 as Superdawg celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Drucker, who owns the business with husband Don Drucker and her oldest brother, Scott Berman, said she marvels at the leap of faith her parents took with opening Superdawg. “To open a restaurant, a business together, they’re married less than a year. The creativity, the forethought, the guts to do this — and it was successful!”

Maurie and Flaurie Berman passed away in 2015 and 2018, respectively, but have been immortalized in their rooftop doppelgangers.

Superdawg said the statues will be back in their usual perches in a couple of weeks, and there are plans to “celebrate their momentous return.”

“Handle with care,” one fan said on Facebook. “They are iconic.”

Superdawg is assuring customers “Maurie” and “Flaurie” will be back. (Superdawg / Facebook)