Hot dog guy hopes to get new neighbors

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The restaurant that some say tried to put hot dog vendor John Verducci out of business is going up for auction next month.

Izzo's restaurant on Worthington Street in the Entertainment district has closed.

The restaurant and all of its licenses and equipment will go up for bid November 12th.

Last summer, Springfield enforced an old mandatory permits law for street vendors in an attempt to oust the hot dog vendor who was allegedly hurting his business.

A few weeks later a showdown occurred between a worker at Izzo's and hot dog vendor John Verducci that sparked a restaurant turf war.

Verducci told 22News hes hoping a friendlier neighbor ends up in the spot, although, he said he was not rooting for the business to fail.

This past August, the City Council and the Police Commissioner agreed that street vendors could continue to operate until the city amends the street vendor ordinance.