Diners stand at a counter eating food served on wax paper -- or they do takeout in brown paper bags. Forget Web sites: Advertising here is by word-of-mouth and a simple storefront sign. Oh yes: Cash only, please.

Yet, owner Colleen Griffiths wouldn't change a thing in her new "retro" hot dog shop.

"The best part is it is your own place that you're putting your hard work into," Ms. Griffiths said of her store, Hank's Too, which opened in November at 919 Brookline Blvd. in Brookline.

Ms. Griffiths, 29, of Castle Shannon, patterned the shop after her former employer, a 40-year fixture on West Liberty Avenue, which was a landmark for hot dogs and hamburgers with cheese or chili.

Ms. Griffiths began working there at age 18. The owner, Michele Moroney, was married to her uncle.

"It was fun, and I got to know the regular customers. I'm a socializer. I couldn't do the desk thing," she said.

But business gradually began to decline and, in September 2008, the first Hank's shut its doors for good.

"I had thought on and off about having my own place. When it closed, I knew if I didn't open another Hank's, there were other people in line wanting to do so," Ms. Griffiths said.

A month later, she spotted the empty storefront on Brookline Boulevard, a perfect location for a business relying heavily on walk-in customers.

While Ms. Griffiths planned her new venture -- with financial help from her father, Bert Griffiths, also of Castle Shannon --Ms. Moroney died unexpectedly.

"She was a close friend. I felt if anyone was to attempt this, she would want it to be me and Casey," Ms. Griffiths said.

Casey O'Conner, 25, of Pittsburgh, and her mother, Joyce Griffiths, 59, of Castle Shannon, make up the shop's employees. Both worked at the original Hank's.

The entrepreneurial road has not been without bumps, as a break-in and frozen pipes cost Ms. Griffiths almost $200.

Otherwise, she is enjoying the ride.

Selections mirror those of the original: chili cheese dogs, cheeseburgers and hot dogs -- all made to order -- on steamed buns to seal the flavor.

French fries and soft drinks also are available.

The two Hank's part company when it comes to the onion rings and chicken tenders that Ms. Griffiths added for variety.

The secret homemade chili recipe was handed down from the original Hank, who began the "franchise" in 1967.

As to whether another Hank's lies ahead, that could rest with the next generation.

"I brought my daughter, Jennelle, 5, here for 'take-a-kid-to-work day,' and she got soda pop for everyone.

"She had so much fun she would come here every day if she could," Ms. Griffiths said.

For more information, call 412-561-1240.