Wimpy’s Paradise, a well-loved hamburger and hot dog joint in downtown Chandler that closed in 2018, is making a comeback of sorts.
Owner Randy Walters (pictured) is partnering with Ginger Monkey to offer Wimpy’s popular menu items in the south Chandler restaurant’s food truck.
“Dreams do come true!’’ Walters says. ‘‘The burger and hot dogs you have craved for 10 years in Chandler are back. This time we will bring them to you as part of Ginger Monkey’s food truck.”
Walters says he’ll be overseeing the menu and working most of the food truck’s events.
Ginger Monkey owner Jackson Armstrong says partnering with Walters is a no-brainer.
“Being a part of the community is a huge part of Ginger Monkey’s DNA.’’ he says. ‘‘So to be able to partner with Randy to bring back a local favorite – really a Chandler icon – it was a perfect fit.”
Walters opened Pittsburgh Willy’s, a hot dog concept, in 2008 and Wimpy’s Paradise in 2014, eventually combining the two concepts.
The restaurants won numerous awards, but Walters may be even better known for giving out free hugs.
A launch party will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at Ginger Monkey, located on the southwest corner of Arizona and Ocotillo.
During the party, Walters will attempt to set the Guinness world record for hugs in 60 seconds. The current record is 87.
Walters also is working on a book, “Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Hugs.”
