University Weiner's new location on M.A.C. Ave. in East Lansing, Mich., on Sept. 8, 2026.
University Weiner has moved down Grand River Avenue to 211 M.A.C. Ave. and opened concessions at Spartan Stadium, marking yet another chapter in the alum-run business' expansion.
The hole-in-the-wall hot dog restaurant has become a popular late-night stop for students since its founding in August of 2023. The new storefront on M.A.C Avenue has two new kiosks to alleviate wait times, University Weiner owner Ben Pikus said, as a result of the crowds.
The move comes a few months after University Weiner announced a second location at the Lansing Shuffle.
Pikus — who graduated from Michigan State University in 2024 — wanted the new location to have “the same feel” as the iconic spot, so they kept a similar layout, menu, brand and identity.
One key difference is lower prices; the new location now features hot dogs starting at $3.99.
University Weiner finalized the relocation over the summer, and to accomplish everything quickly was “incredibly challenging,” Pikus said. He had to be “creative and think out of the box.”
Human biology sophomore Anya Ghannam said the relocation was smart because “it’s closer to the bars, restaurants, and where everything is happening.”
Ghannam likes how the new location is a "closer proximity for students," so she doesn't have to walk as far for the same “underground vibe.”
Criminal justice sophomore Sophia Crova said their hot dogs are “amazing,” especially after a late-night out.
Since the relocation, University Weiner has “been doing well, and we’re super grateful for the community for following us and supporting us at this new spot,” Pikus said. “It shows that this brand is very scalable because all we need is a wall and a pickup window.”
For the Spartan Stadium expansion, however, it was “a completely different challenge,” Pikus said.
There's still some adjustments to be made for the Spartan Stadium location, but “it’s incredibly exciting and an amazing opportunity, and we’re super grateful,” Pikus said. “We’re a proud partner of MSU Athletics, and it’s cool to be able to work with and partner with the school.”
A major point of pride for the MSU alum is the hot dog stand being “student-run from top to bottom."
Pikus said his time at MSU “made me realize that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation was a “great resource," he said.
“There are always ways to improve and optimize, and that’s what we're trying to do at University Weiner — grow," Pikus said.
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